INDYCAR Implements Major Restructuring with Independent Arbitration System for 2026 Season

On December 11, 2025, INDYCAR announced a significant institutional overhaul, marking one of the most substantial changes the organization has seen in decades. This transformation includes the introduction of a fully independent arbitration system for the 2026 seasons of both the IndyCar Series and INDY NXT by Firestone. Central to this initiative is the establishment of INDYCAR Officiating Inc., a nonprofit entity tasked with autonomously managing, supervising, and enforcing the sport’s rules and regulations.

Introduction of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB)

The newly formed organization will be governed by the Independent Officiating Board (IOB), which consists of three members: two elected by team owners and one appointed by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This board will hold comprehensive authority to define the annual budget, select the Managing Director of Officiating (MDO), and oversee all race control operations and technical inspections. Notably, the IOB will operate free from any hierarchical connections to INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment.

Key Selections for the IOB

The team owners have selected two highly respected figures in motorsport for the IOB:

• Ray Evernham: Renowned as one of the most influential personalities in recent NASCAR history, Evernham has served as chief of staff for three championship-winning seasons with Jeff Gordon. He played a pivotal role in bringing Dodge back to the NASCAR circuit through his ownership of Evernham Motorsports. Beyond his team management, he has established himself as an analyst, producer, and consultant within the motorsport industry.

• Raj Nair: Bringing three decades of experience, Nair has held key positions in the automotive and motorsport sectors. He has been instrumental in various organizations, including the Singer Group and Multimatic, but is most recognized for his time at Ford. As the global technical director for Ford, he oversaw all of the company’s motorsport programs, including NASCAR, IMSA, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. Nair also served as president of Ford North America from 2017 to 2018.

The FIA’s nominee for the board is equally distinguished:

• Ronan Morgan: With over 50 years in global motorsport, Morgan is one of the most experienced officials at the FIA. He has chaired the stewards for over 100 international races and served as the sporting manager for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 2009 to 2021. Additionally, he presides over the FIA Drivers’ Commission and is a member of the World Motor Sport Council, while also acting as an advisor to the FIA’s president.

The involvement of the FIA will be limited strictly to the appointment of the board member, underlining the autonomy of the new structure to make independent decisions.

Role of the Managing Director of Officiating

The newly appointed Managing Director of Officiating will report solely to the IOB and will possess full authority to hire Race Control personnel, lead technical inspections, and rigorously enforce the regulations set forth by INDYCAR. This new leadership structure is designed to enhance transparency and consistency in decision-making processes within the sport.

Statements from Key Figures

Official statements regarding this restructuring highlight the significance of the changes:

• J. Douglas Boles, the president of INDYCAR, expressed his commitment to independent officiating for the 2026 season, stating, “We have maintained our commitment to independent officiating for 2026, and we are pleased to announce this next step. The team owners and the FIA have selected a world-class board with extensive knowledge and a deep passion for motorsport and Indy racing.”

• Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, emphasized the thoroughness of the selection process, stating, “It was a meticulous process. I am confident in the independent board chosen by the team owners. Now we look forward to the next step, which will be selecting the Managing Director.”

• Mark Miles, president and CEO of Penske Entertainment Corp., reinforced the model’s independence: “We are excited about this new structure and know the board will handle the process with diligence and responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to lead this mission in 2026.”

• Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, characterized the partnership as a collaboration of strengths: “The FIA’s independent expertise in sporting oversight, combined with the innovation and competitive spirit of Indy, supports the ongoing growth of the category.”

• Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, added, “The direction is positive. The team owners selected two excellent candidates, and the presence of the FIA appointee adds another layer of experience and quality.”

Anticipating the Announcement of the Managing Director

Details regarding the new Managing Director and additional announcements are expected to be revealed in early 2026. In Brazil, the broadcasting rights will remain with TV Bandeirantes (Band), ESPN4, and Disney+, all of which are expected to closely follow this new chapter in the category.

The Need for Change in INDYCAR

This restructuring was essential for INDYCAR. Discussions surrounding transparency, consistency, and independence in its sporting decisions are not new and have intensified as technology progresses and competition tightens. By establishing an autonomous entity with professionals from outside the Penske Entertainment corporate structure, INDYCAR aims to create a barrier between commercial interests and sporting integrity. This bold move requires competence and decisiveness in selecting the new Managing Director.

If everything unfolds as planned, 2026 might usher in a clearer, stronger, and more confident INDYCAR. This new era promises to enhance the integrity of the sport, ensuring that all decisions are made with the utmost fairness and transparency, aligning with the values and expectations of fans, teams, and stakeholders alike.

Conclusion: A New Era for INDYCAR

The establishment of INDYCAR Officiating Inc. and the Independent Officiating Board herald a new era of governance in the sport. This transformation aims to assure fans and participants that race decisions will be made without bias or external influence, prioritizing the integrity of the competition. As INDYCAR prepares for the upcoming seasons, the focus will be on fostering a robust framework that supports fair play and upholds the highest standards of racing.

This extensive restructuring not only aligns with contemporary expectations in motorsports but also sets a precedent for other racing series to consider similar reforms. As the 2026 seasons approach, all eyes will be on INDYCAR to see how these changes will manifest in on-track performance and governance. The potential for a more transparent and equitable racing environment is a promising development for everyone involved in the sport.