INDYCAR has taken the next step forward with plans for a fully independent officiating structure for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone seasons. The series announced the formation of INDYCAR Officiating Inc., a newly established, non-profit organization that will oversee all race-officiating operations — separate from INDYCAR and Penske Entertainment.
The new framework will have an Independent Officiating Board (IOB) that sets the annual budget and appoints the Managing Director of Officiating (MDO). The MDO will be the sole authority for race control, rule enforcement, and technical inspections — operating independently from INDYCAR leadership.
Selection of the IOB members
Two of the three IOB members were directly chosen by INDYCAR’s team owners, while the FĂ©dĂ©ration Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) appointed the third member — the FIA’s only role in the new system is to select its representative, concluding its involvement.
Team owner elected members
Ray Evernham is an influential figure in American motorsports, bringing decades of mechanical, strategic, and leadership experience. His notable work includes being Jeff Gordon’s crew chief during three NASCAR Cup Series championship campaigns.
He later spearheaded Dodge’s return to NASCAR as team owner of Evernham Motorsports before transitioning into television work as an analyst, producer, and consultant.
Raj Nair has a background across automotive engineering and motorsport technical regulation spanning three decades. His resume includes senior leadership roles at Singer Group, Inc. and Multimatic, along with a long-term tenure at Ford.
As Ford’s chief technical officer and executive vice president of global product development (2012–17), and later North American president (2017–18). He oversaw all Ford Motorsports programs across NASCAR, IMSA, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.
FIA-appointed member
Irishman Ronan Morgan is the FIA-appointed board member. Morgan holds 50 years of worldwide motorsport involvement as an organizer, promoter, competitor, and senior official.
Within the FIA, he has chaired stewards’ panels for over 100 international circuit and rally events. His résumé includes serving as the sporting manager of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix from 2009–2021, presiding over the FIA Drivers Commission, and maintaining seats on the FIA World Motor Sport Council and serving as an advisor to the FIA President.
Thoughts from INDYCAR governing bodies
J. Douglas Boles, President of INDYCAR, shared:
“We have remained committed to independent officiating for 2026, and we are pleased to announce this next step. The INDYCAR team owners and the FIA have selected a world-class board with high character, incredible knowledge and an intense passion for motorsports and INDYCAR racing.”
Chip Ganassi, Owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, felt confident in the choice of elected members:
“This was a thorough process, and I am confident in the independent officiating board that has been elected by the team ownership in our sport. I look forward to their guidance as they take the next step of hiring a managing director.”
Mark Miles, President & CEO, Penske Entertainment Corp.:
“We are excited to launch this new structure of INDYCAR officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons.”
The President of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, expressed his delight in collaborating with the American powerhouse:
“INDYCAR is an American icon and I am proud of the relationship we are building together. The FIA’s independent expertise in delivering consistent officiating oversight across our World Championships, combined with INDYCAR’s innovation and competitive spirit, will support the continued growth of the series. I look forward to the work ahead of us.”
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, praised the direction of independent officiating:
“I am pleased with the direction INDYCAR is taking with independent officiating. The team owners have selected two excellent board members and the addition of an FIA appointee will add another layer of experience and expertise.”
The next steps
The newly formed IOB will begin its search for the first Managing Director of Officiating, who will be responsible for staffing race control, leading technical inspection personnel, and applying the INDYCAR and INDY NXT rulebooks as written. INDYCAR Officiating Inc. expects to announce the hire, along with additional structural details, in early 2026.
