IndyCar has named Doug Boles, the current president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), as its new president.
Confirmed:
- Boles, who will continue as IMS president, succeeds Jay Frye
- Mark Sibla is promoted to senior vice president of IndyCar competition and operations
- Kyle Novak will become IndyCar’s vice president of officiating and race control
- Alex Damron has been named chief marketing officer
- Louis Kissinger will be promoted to general manager of IMS operations
Context:
As IndyCar gears up for its first season with Fox Sports, these organisational changes are notable. Replacing Frye as president, who served ten years in the role, fewer than three weeks before the start of the season is surprising. IndyCar is understandably tight-lipped on what really went on behind the scenes.
Frye’s legacy will be of technical innovation, notably with the development of the aeroscreen and the hybrid engine package. But the series has a lot of faith in Boles, who has overseen more than US$150 million in strategic investment into IMS and was in charge for the first full-capacity crowd at the circuit for the 100th Indianapolis 500.
Comment:
“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both IndyCar and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility,” said Penske Entertainment president and chief executive Mark Miles. “He’s an exceptional leader and motivator who is appreciated by our fans and respected by our owners, drivers, partners and additional key stakeholders.”
Boles added: “Racing is in my DNA, and no form of racing resonates more personally and strongly with me than the NTT IndyCar Series. I’m honoured to lead the amazing team at IndyCar, and I truly believe the future is bigger and brighter than ever for our sport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“I’m extremely grateful to Mark Miles for this opportunity, and fans can rest assured the hard work is already under way and 2025 will be a fantastic season.”
Coming next:
This restructure comes ahead of the opening race of the IndyCar season, the Grand Prix of St Petersburg, which takes place on 2nd March.
Go deeper:
- IndyCar’s TV deal with Fox: Why has the series left NBC and what does the move mean for its future?
- IndyCar 2024 season review: Stuttering viewership and off-track politics overshadow an exciting year
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