Auto Racing – Page 46 – The Pit Window by Mike Silver

Doug Boles Named President of INDYCAR & Indianapolis Motor Speedway

February 11, 2025 thepitwindow

Additional Key Staffing Updates Made as INDYCAR Enters New Era of Growth

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025) – Penske Entertainment announced several updates to its senior leadership structure today in order to best position the organization to capitalize on significant growth opportunities ahead.
Key changes shared this morning include:
Doug Boles will serve as President of both INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, succeeding Jay Frye.
Mark Sibla will be promoted to Senior Vice President, INDYCAR Competition & Operations.
Kyle Novak will become INDYCAR’s Vice President of Officiating and Race Control.
Alex Damron has been named Chief Marketing Officer, INDYCAR, while also continuing as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Penske Entertainment.
Louis Kissinger will be promoted to General Manager, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Operations.
Doug Boles brings decades of motorsport experience to his new responsibilities, including being the President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2013. At IMS, he oversaw the sellout of the 100th Indianapolis 500, the first full-capacity crowd in the event’s storied history. In addition, he’s managed more than $150 million in strategic investment at the Racing Capital of the World, including “Project 100” and significant infrastructure improvements following the acquisition of IMS by Penske Corp.Across his tenure at IMS, he has been particularly lauded for his promotional prowess and strategic marketing capabilities, growing the Speedway’s global reach and better connecting Indy 500 fans to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
As a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer at Panther Racing and as Hulman & Company’s Vice President of Communications, he has worked extensively within the INDYCAR paddock, as well. At Panther Racing, Boles helped lead the team to 15 INDYCAR SERIES race wins and two INDYCAR SERIES championships, in addition to seven INDY NXT by Firestone race wins and a championship. In total, he has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in motorsports, within team operations, sponsorship, marketing, public relations and more.
“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 & CEO 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.”
Said Boles: “Racing is in my DNA, and no form of racing resonates more personally and strongly with me than the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. I’m honored 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.”
Boles becomes President of INDYCAR as Frye departs the organization following 10 years in the role. During Frye’s tenure, he led a period of tremendous successes at INDYCAR, including securing the entitlement series sponsorships with Verizon and NTT, the development of the AK18 universal aero kit, development and implementation of the total driver cockpit safety solution aeroscreen and state-of-the-art hybrid technology introduction. In addition, Jay Frye also oversaw an expanded grid with incredible competition.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be the President of INDYCAR and work alongside the dedicated and talented men and women at INDYCAR and in the INDYCAR paddock,” Frye said. “The growth and success the series has had over the last 10 years would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration of the owners, drivers and teams.”
In both his role at INDYCAR and as IMS President, Boles will report to Penske Entertainment President & CEO Miles. As Boles manages strategic vision and priorities across both INDYCAR and IMS, several additional staffing updates will help oversee day-to-day operations within each organization.At INDYCAR,
Mark Sibla has been named Senior Vice President of INDYCAR Competition and Operations. He has been a senior member of INDYCAR’s management team for more than a decade and will lead workstreams focused on general operations and special initiatives such as development of the new car.
Also at INDYCAR, Kyle Novak begins an enhanced role as Vice President of Officiating and Race Control. In this position he will lead both the Race Control and Race Tech teams at INDYCAR, responsible for ensuring rigorous and equitable enforcement of NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT presented by Firestone competition regulations. Novak has served as INDYCAR’s Race Director since the 2018 season and was elected to the FIA General Assembly in 2022.
In addition, as INDYCAR prepares for new levels of audience exposure through its relationship with FOX Sports, Alex Damron has been named Chief Marketing Officer, charged with fully implementing a maximized and unified promotional plan for the sport. In this role, he will lead the marketing and communications teams at INDYCAR. He will also continue as Vice President of Corporate Communications for Penske Entertainment, responsible for overseeing IMS PR efforts and Penske Entertainment’s photo and editorial operations.
“We’re confident Alex is ready for this opportunity,” Miles said. “He’s played an integral role in our transition to FOX Sports, driving significant work to implement the phenomenal promotional initiatives we’ve already seen, ensuring we can quickly and efficiently leverage new opportunities.”
At IMS, Kissinger steps into the role of General Manager, IMS Operations, leading teams responsible for suite/hospitality sales, track operations and event operations. Kissinger began his career at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway serving as a distinguished Orr Fellow, with his most recent role being Director of Event Operations & Experience at IMS.
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season launches on Sunday, March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on FOX. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the only premier motorsport in the United States with every race broadcast on network television. For more info, visit www.INDYCAR.com.

Drivers, Boles Celebrate 100 Days Countdownto Indy 500 with Parties Feb. 14

February 10, 2025 thepitwindow

NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles will celebrate the 100 Days Countdown to the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Friday, Feb. 14 with a Valentine’s Day Party at Riley Hospital for Children and the 100 Days Out Fan Party at IMS.
Activities will start from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET with a Valentine’s Day Party for patients of Riley Hospital for Children in the Child Life Zone in downtown Indianapolis.
Attendance for the fan-friendly 100 Days Out Party at IMS is at capacity. IMS will launch its new 2025 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge brand campaign, “This Is May,” at the party. Fans also will be shown a premiere of the commercial spot created by IMS Productions.
WHAT: Valentine’s Day Party at Riley Hospital for Children
WHO: J. Douglas Boles, IMS President
Louis Foster, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Driver
Jack Harvey, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing/Cusick Motorsports Driver
Callum Ilott, PREMA Racing Driver
Nolan Siegel, Arrow McLaren Driver
WHEN: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
WHERE: Riley Hospital for Children, Child Life Zone, 705 Riley Drive, Indianapolis
***
WHAT: 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge 100 Days Out Fan Party
WHO: J. Douglas Boles, IMS President
Tony Kanaan, 2013 Indianapolis 500 Winner
Sting Ray Robb, Juncos Hollinger Racing Driver
Robert Schwartzman, PREMA Racing Driver
WHEN: 7-9:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2025
WHERE: Gallagher Pavillion and North Chalet, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg- The Little Race that Grew Up

February 7, 2025 thepitwindow

I first attended the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2013. It was my first IndyCar street race. I thought the event was okay, the race was good, and I fell in love with the city of St. Pete. I remember very few signs advertising the race around the downtown, and while I saw potential for growth, I wondered how solid the community support was. Still, I came back every year except 2020. There has been phenomenal growth of the event.

Starting in early February it is evident that a race is taking place. There are street post banners, and the number of businesses sporting checkered flags and bunting seems to increase annually. Green Savoree Promotions and the city have worked together to make the Grand Prix the city’s premier event. Two years ago I noticed how much more difficult it had become to walk through the midway area. This race is now comparable to Long Beach as far as excitement.

Putting on a successful street race takes community buy in, cooperation from the city council, and a promoter willing to work with the city. St. Pete checks all those boxes.

For example, the city allows the Grand Prix 75 days to build the track, run the race, and tear down the track. This year Green Savoree will use just 27 days starting this coming Monday. The Road to Indy will have a test session on the track February 27.

Kim Green discusses the expanded marina area and announces sdeveral VIO areas are sold out.

The event plans to improve the general admission experience with gathering points where fans can watch the race on big screen televisions.

St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch talks about the new champions wall.

Per the press kit, a new champions wall has been added to accommodate recent and future winners. the following quote from Green Savoree:

“A third wall will be constructed and added to the monument ahead of the 2025 event to make space for recent and future race winner plaques to be added, including victories by Scott McLaughlin in 2022, Marcus Ericsson in 2023 and Pato O’Ward in 2024.”

I have enjoyed watching the St. Pete race grow.

St. Pete Broadcast Times and Channels

February 7, 2025 thepitwindow

NOTE: Saturday’s second practice is on FS2. This is not a typo. All times Eastern.

Kirkwood, Andretti Primed for Strong Season

February 6, 2025 thepitwindow

Kyle Kirkwood helped kick off the track build ceremony for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg this morning. I had an opportunity to chat with him afterwards. Look for some notes about today’s event in a later story.

Kyle Kirkwood believes he and his Andretti teammates will have an even better season in 2025 than they had in 2024, when they had many top 10 and top five finishes, but onlt two wins and a couple of poles to show for it.

The Jupiter, Florida native is always excited to race at St. Pete. His two IndyCar victories have come on street courses, and he would love to add his home race to that total.

On his 2024 season, Kirkwood said, “I think we took a step in the right direction. We just didn’t have the elusive wins and podiums that we needed. But I’d have to say we gave ourselves really good opportunities to have wins. We gave ourselves four or five good opportunities to win races, and none of them panned out for us. So we just got to keep doing it, keep digging, and hopefully this year will be even better than it was last year.”

His optimism stems from the addition of the crew that worked on the Myere Shank teams last year, who are now exclusively with Andretti Global.

“This year is different for Andretti, and it’s a little bit of the C suite change. I just hs pumped everyone up. We have an influx of engineers with Shank going away, they’re now in house. They’re helping us with other projects, and the crew is gelling together. Well, we’re putting a huge effort in. So only good things to come,” Kirkwood said.

On the hybrid at the Indianapolis 500, Kirkwood thinks it is too early to tell how it will affect things, but he doesn’t look for a significant difference.

“I would say, it’s not going to change the racing. You know, I don’t think people want the racing to change, right? I think it’s been phenomenal there. So that’s a positive thing to say, ” he said.

“But ultimately it is adding weight to the car, which is the negative, so hopefully the positives outweigh the negatives with that. So yeah, I mean, we’re looking forward to it. It’ll be a new challenge, hopefully a new thing that we can get ahead on.”

IndyCar introduced the hybrid energy recovery system mind season in 2024. Of the tracks that will se the ERS used for the first time in 2025, Kirkwood cited two where he believes it will be most effective.

“Thermal will be extremely effective. We didn’t have we didn’t have it at Road America (last year), yeah, it’ll be very effective there. We’re going to get a huge influx of power for a period of time on that on that track, because how long it is, so how you use it, how you manage it, and what time gain you have from it will be, will be important.”

Community Kickoff Events Preceding Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding Race Weekend Announced

February 6, 2025 thepitwindow

Community Kickoff Events Preceding Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding Race Weekend Announced

February 6, 2025 thepitwindow

Andretti Liveries- Something, Something New

February 4, 2025 thepitwindow

Andretti Global revealed their 2025 liveries yesterday. Colton Herta’s number 26 remains pretty much the same, while Kyle Kirkwood and Marcus Ericsson will sport combinations of red, white, and black. on the 27 and 28.

Auto Nation dropped its sponsorship of the 27, so Kirkwood will drive with Chili’s sponsorship. Ericsson now carries primary sponsorship from Bryant heating and Cooling, which has been an associate sponsor.

I’m glad that the cars of Kirkwood and Ericsson have different combinations of the red,white, and black. There are plenty of red and white cars on the grid already with paint schemes that are very similar.

News and Notes- Cindric Steps Back; Museum Sells Cars

February 2, 2025February 2, 2025 thepitwindow

Tim Cindric will remain as President of Team Penske’s IndyCar operations, but he is relinquishing his duties overseeing the other Penske racing efforts.

In a statement released a couple days ago, Cindric said,

“I have lived my dream job for the past 25 years as the overall leader of the Penske Racing organization. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business while achieving many milestones together. I’ve decided I need to make a change that provides me with the flexibility I need at this stage of my career. I appreciate the understanding Roger has provided throughout our conversations and I’m confident this team will continue to succeed as we have a proven leadership team in all areas.”

Managing a racing team in one category is hard work. I can’t imagine being responsible for several different motorsports entities. It’s nice to see someone realize what their needs are and make those needs a priority. I also couldn’t imagine Penske IndyCar without Cindric. I’m glad it is what he chose to stay with.

IMS Museum Auction

The IMS Museum is auctioning cars not related to the Speedway or the Indianapolis 500. Their goal is to raise $100 million for their endowment fund. The Museum will use the funds to buy more Indy related cars and restore their current collection.

The cars going to auction throught R M Sotheby Auctioin House:

1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Streamliner Formula 1 car
1964 Le Mans-winning Ferrari 250 LM
1966 Ford GT40 Mk II
1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP-64
1908 Mercedes 17.3-Liter 150 HP ‘Brookland’ Semmering Rennwagen
1907 Itala 120 HP Works Racing Car
1930 Bugatti Type 35B Grand Prix
1991 Benetton B191 Formula 1
1965 Spirit of America Sonic I
1911 Mercedes 22/40 HP ‘Colonial’ Double Phaeton
1911 Laurin & Klement Type S2 Sportswagen

The 1954 Mercedes is the star of the lot expected to go for more than $52 million.

UPDATE– The 1954 Mercedes has sold for $ 51.15 million

The cars made rare appearances on the display floor. I was fortunate enough to see them all when I took the basement tours which was offered a few years ago.

I understand the Museum’s reasons for selling these cars, but I didn’t think it hurt to have a car or two in their collection that wasn’t an Indy car.

Getting Closer

The Firestone Grand prix of St, Petersburg is just 28 days away. This Thursday, February 6, the event will hold its “First Block ceremony, where the first section of wall is put in place on the back stretch. Andretti driver Kyle Kirkwood is expected to attend along with drivers from he other series who will race that weekend.