ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is entering a new era of transparency and accountability with the full implementation of INDYCAR Officiating for the season, beginning with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The initiative, years in the making, establishes a fully independent officiating body, separating it from the operational and governance structures of INDYCAR and Penske Entertainment.
The driving force behind this change is the newly formed Independent Officiating Board (IOB), comprised of chairman Raj Nair, secretary and treasurer Ray Evernham, and FIA appointee Ronan Morgan. The IOB has been diligently working to establish INDYCAR Officiating Inc. As a not-for-profit corporation and finalize the budget. Their efforts have also included a comprehensive review of existing INDYCAR processes and personnel, identifying areas for improvement and expansion.
“The board has been meticulous and thorough in our review of INDYCAR’s officiating process and procedures,” Nair stated. A key focus moving forward will be a more detailed transparency reporting structure for teams, covering both technical and race infractions, alongside a commitment to consistent rule implementation and enforcement. This addresses a long-standing desire within the paddock for greater clarity and fairness in officiating decisions.
Currently, the IOB is actively searching for a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO) to lead the independent operation. Until that position is filled, the board will directly oversee general officiating operations, ensuring a smooth transition. Evernham emphasized that the existing INDYCAR personnel in race control and technical inspection are highly valued. “One of the clear takeaways…has been that INDYCAR already greatly benefits from the knowledgeable and professional personnel in race control and technical inspection,” he said. “With that, combined with the expertise that the board brings, we are going to work with the current team members of each but will add additional resources and support.”
To ensure continuity and oversight during the initial races, all three IOB members will be present at the season opener in St. Petersburg and will share responsibilities across the first few events until the MDO is appointed. This hands-on approach underscores the IOB’s commitment to a successful launch of the independent officiating system.
Several key figures will remain in their existing roles, providing stability within the officiating structure. Kyle Novak will continue as race director and vice president of INDYCAR Officiating, leveraging his experience since taking on the role in . Novak’s responsibilities include leading race control, developing circuit safety protocols, and enforcing the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone competition regulations. His expertise extends beyond the racing world, as he also serves as a judge on the FIA Courts.
On the technical side, Kevin “Rocket” Blanch will remain as INDYCAR Officiating’s technical director. Blanch will oversee the technical inspection process, ensuring compliance with aerodynamic and chassis regulations. His extensive background includes over six seasons with Panther Racing, where he served as crew chief and contributed to two INDYCAR SERIES championships and 11 victories.
Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis will also continue their roles as chief stewards, having served in that capacity since . They will monitor on-track sessions, review incidents, and enforce penalties from race control.
The IOB is also bolstering the technical inspection team with the addition of Nick Allen, a veteran INDYCAR mechanic and chief mechanic with over 20 years of experience. Further additions are planned in the coming weeks, including a tech inspection manager for INDY NXT and a dedicated race director for the INDY NXT series.
Morgan highlighted the evolutionary nature of this change, stating, “The officiating in INDYCAR is not broken…At this point, our opinion is that independent INDYCAR Officiating should be framed as a sensible evolution when it comes to general process. By providing and overseeing additional support, transparency and added separation between officials and series management, we firmly believe that INDYCAR Officiating is primed to be successfully implemented for the season.”
The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the first race under the new officiating structure, will be broadcast on FOX, FOX Deportes, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app, beginning at noon ET on . Coverage will also be available via the INDYCAR Radio Network on SiriusXM Channel 2018 and the INDYCAR App powered by NTT DATA.
