INDYCAR has confirmed a major change in how its racing will be governed from 2026. The goal is to introduce a fully independent officiating system. The new incorporation is designed to improve credibility, transparency and fairness across both the INDY NXT and NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
The new non-profit,INDYCAR Officiating Inc., has been formally established to oversee all officiating matters. Crucially, it will operate without oversight from INDYCAR or Penske Entertainment executives. As a result, the series aims to remove any perception of conflict within race control or technical inspection.
A three-person Independent Officiating Board (IOB) will lead this new system. Team owners elected two members, and the FIA selected the third. Following this, the board will soon hire a Managing Director of Officiating (MDO). They will report directly to the IOB and take full responsibility for officiating personnel and rule enforcement.
INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said the step reflects a long-term commitment to improving governance. “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,” he said.
A Board Built on Varied Motorsport Expertise
The new board blends experience from across global motorsport. Ray Evernham brings a long career in NASCAR as a championship-winning crew chief, team owner and consultant. Raj Nair adds technical expertise from senior roles at Ford, Multimatic and Singer Group. Furthermore, FIA appointee Ronan Morgan offers more than 50 years of international motorsport experience, including senior positions across rallying and Formula 1.
In addition, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed the collaboration. He explained, “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.”
Teams Welcome a New Era of Independence
Team owners have also backed the move. Chip Ganassi said he trusted the process that produced the new board: “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.”
Likewise, Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, added his support, “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.”
Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO, emphasised the responsibility now shifting to the new board. He noted, “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 season.”
What to Expect?
The first task for the IOB will be selecting the MDO, with the appointment expected in early 2026. This role will be pivotal in defining the new era. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this will become clearer when the 2026 season begins on 1 March. Until then, INDYCAR’s move marks one of the most significant structural changes in modern American open-wheel racing. Certainly this shift is aimed directly at enhancing trust, clarity and competitive integrity as the sport continues to grow its global profile.