IndyCar Series to Establish Independent Officiating Board by 2026
The IndyCar Series plans to implement a new independent officiating board by the 2026 season, accelerating a timeline previously set for 2027. This initiative aims to enhance race governance and accountability within the sport.
IndyCar President Doug Boles confirmed the expedited timeline, stating, “Our commitment is to have it in place by 2026.” The new board will oversee race control and enforce penalties for competition-related issues, without relying on existing sanctioning bodies like the FIA or USAC. Instead, it will be a unique entity, designed specifically for IndyCar.
The board is expected to comprise a small number of members, ensuring direct input from IndyCar teams and auto manufacturers. Funding will be provided by Penske Entertainment, although the board will operate independently from the organization and its owner, Roger Penske.
Boles emphasized the importance of independence in the board’s structure, stating, “There’s obviously a variety of directions you could go to make it clearly independent and disconnected from any influence from the series or Penske Entertainment.” Discussions with stakeholders are ongoing, and further details will be shared with the paddock in the coming weeks.
The establishment of this board represents a significant move toward enhancing governance in IndyCar, aiming for a transparent and efficient officiating process in the highly competitive series.
