Jay Frye’s Transition to RLL: A New Chapter in IndyCar
In a surprising turn of events, Jay Frye was dismissed from his role as president of the IndyCar Series in early February, shortly before the start of the racing season. Frye, who led the series for a decade with the motto “Make S Happen, Get S Done,” focused on a competitor-first approach that ultimately contributed to his departure amid changing corporate dynamics.
Bobby Rahal recognized Frye’s leadership potential, hiring him a month into the 2025 season to address the declining performance of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL). The team, which struggled to qualify for the Indianapolis 500, had seen the departure of promising driver Christian Lundgaard to Arrow McLaren, and was in desperate need of revitalization.
Frye’s initial observations highlighted systemic issues within RLL, where the underperformance of its third car plagued the team’s reputation. Notably piloted by Jack Harvey, Pietro Fittipaldi, and Devlin DeFrancesco, the third entry became more of a liability than an asset. Frye proposed a structural overhaul, aiming to transition the car from a hire-to-race model to a competitive entry with solid sponsorship backing.
Key to RLL’s revival was the engagement of Mick Schumacher, whose positive test results during a session at the IMS road course in October demonstrated his fit within the team. The involvement of Schumacher has drawn substantial media attention and potential sponsorship opportunities, highlighting the team’s renewed commercial viability.
Frye has also bolstered RLL’s operational framework by recruiting respected figures like former Arrow McLaren team principal Gavin Ward and Brian Barnhart as Sr. VP of Operations. This influx of talent aims to foster a competitive environment and strengthen the technical backbone of the team.
Rahal praised Frye’s proactive leadership, noting, “Jay gets s*** done. He brings much-needed energy and direction to the organization.” This cultural shift, from malaise to motivation, is expected to facilitate RLL’s ascent in the competitive landscape of IndyCar.
Looking ahead, the team aims to regain its foothold within the IndyCar hierarchy. With a lineup featuring Rahal, sophomore driver Louis Foster, and the high-profile addition of Schumacher, RLL is poised to dismantle the barriers that have hindered its performance.
The ambition is clear: re-establish RLL as a contender for top-10 finishes and gradually regain competitiveness against industry heavyweights such as Ganassi, McLaren, and Penske. The focus on solidifying sponsorships and enhancing technical capabilities through meaningful hires reflects a concerted effort to ensure that “Make S Happen, Get S Done” translates into tangible success on the track.
As Rahal stated, “We’re committed to winning races and championships. It may take some time, but that’s where we’re headed.” The journey towards revitalization begins now, and the upcoming seasons are set to reflect the impact of Frye’s strategic initiative at RLL.
