IndyCar Moves Toward Independent Governance Structure Ahead of 2026 Season
Indianapolis, IN – IndyCar is actively advancing its plan to establish an independent governance structure for its race control and technical inspection departments, a transition set to take effect in the 2026 season. This strategic move, announced by IndyCar President Doug Boles in May, aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest between the series, owned by Roger Penske—its most successful entrant—and its officiating body.
The initiative is currently in its development phase, with several governance models under consideration. Two primary options have emerged: the creation of an independent board appointed by the series and the outsourcing of regulatory functions to an existing sanctioning body, such as the FIA, which governs various motorsport series worldwide.
Recently, two FIA delegates attended the Snap-on 250 at Milwaukee to observe IndyCar’s operational protocols, as part of the evaluation process for the outsourcing governance model. This decision was influenced by feedback from team owners advocating for a complete separation of governance from the series’ ownership.
The first model proposes a self-governing structure that empowers leaders from within the IndyCar paddock to form the independent board. If adopted, this panel would be composed of representatives from participating teams, auto manufacturers, and external racing experts. The structure would allow for rotating representation among the more than ten active entries.
“We are putting a structure together,” said Boles in an interview. “We’ve vetted the idea with a handful of team owners and others. It’s about building a timeline and getting it implemented.”
The forthcoming independent board is expected to function as a managerial oversight group rather than as referees directly influencing race officiating. “This board will not be sitting in race control or managing penalties in real-time,” Boles confirmed, emphasizing that existing roles such as race directors and technical teams will remain unchanged.
The decision regarding whether to pursue an in-house model or to partner with an external sanctioning body marks a significant next step for IndyCar. With its new governance structure on the horizon, the series aims to maintain integrity and impartiality as it progresses into a new era.
