Tag: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Doug Boles Named President of INDYCAR & Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

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 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

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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
 

News and Notes- Cindric Steps Back; Museum Sells Cars

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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.

Marco Returns for Indy; Helio to Attempt Daytona 500

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The Andretti name stays on the grid. The rumors and speculation have been put to rest. Andretti Global confirmed that Marco Andretti will return to the team for his 20th Indianapolis 500. The 2020 Indianapolis Pole winner has eight top 10 finishes and top 5 runs in the 500. His best finish was his rookie year, when he was nipped at the line by Sam Hornish, Jr., in 2006.

Andretti’s’ last Top 10 was in 2017, an eighth-place result, and his last Top 5 was in 2014 when he ran third. In addition to his pole, Andretti also started on the outside of the front row in third.

Castroneves Tries Daytona

Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 next month with Trackhouse Racing. Castroneves, a part owner of Meyer-Shank racing, will also drive in the Indianapolis 500.

I like when drivers race in different forms of racing outside their primary category, but the corporate. proprietary nature of racing today makes it such a big deal when it happens. It shouldn’t be. Drivers used to race in several different series all the time during the season.

The Field of 33

Andretti’s entry brings the entry list to 33 for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.

The entry list to date:

McLaren (4): O’Ward, Siegel, Lundgaard, Larson

Penske (3): Newgarden, McLaughlin, Power

ECR (3): Rossi, Rasmussen, Carpenter

Foyt (2): Ferrucci, Malukas

JHR (2): Robb, Daly

Prema (2): Ilott, Shwartzman

DRR (2): RHR, Harvey

Andretti (4): Herta, Kirkwood, Ericsson, Andretti

Ganassi (3): Simpson, Dixon, Palou

MSR (3): Rosenqvist, Armstrong, Helio

RLL (3): Rahal, DeFrancesco, Foster

DCR (2): TBA, TBA

Happy Holidays

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The Pit Window wishes everyone a happy holiday, whatever you celebrate. I have so many to thank for this year.

First thanks to all the fans who read this column. You have made 2023 the third best year for readership. I appreciate your loyalty. You are thew reason I continue to do this.

Kyle McInnes– thank you for the great photos which many times were the highlight of the posts. I hope we can work together again in 2025.

Track media directors– thank you for allowing me space to cover your events. I appreciate the opportunity you afford me.

Special thanks to Michael Friedman and Kevin Toy for helping get through Le Mans.

And thanks to my life partner, Martha Strum, whose support has made all my trips possible.

I am looking forward to the 2025 IndyCar season. Let’s hope there is more good racing like we saw late last season and a lot less off-track controversy.

This will be my last post of 2024 unless something earth shattering happens in the next week.

The Pit Window plans to move to winter headquarters January 1, in time for testing at Sebring.

Have a wonderful holiday. See you next year.

Dirt Track at IMS To Host Indiana Sprint Week Opener in July 2025 

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A very exciting announcement from IMS.

 INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Dec. 13, 2024) – USAC Sprint Cars will compete in a points race for the first time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July 2025 when the opening night of USAC NOS Energy Drink Indiana Sprint Week Presented by Honest Abe Roofing takes place at The Dirt Track at IMS.
The USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship will be featured during the 38th annual Indiana Sprint Week opener Thursday evening, July 24, the night before Brickyard Weekend opens on the 2.5-mile IMS oval for the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.
The event promises a unique spectacle, as the 900-horsepower USAC Sprint Cars take to a quarter-mile dirt track inside Turn 3 of the famous IMS oval. USAC Sprint Cars made their debut at The Dirt Track at IMS last September in a special invitational event won by C.J. Leary of Greenfield, Indiana.
“We expected wheel-to-wheel action from Sprint Cars on The Dirt Track, and they delivered,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Kicking off Brickyard Weekend with some of the biggest stars of the USAC during Sprint Week is sure to be another incredible show.”
USAC’s Indiana Sprint Week, a cornerstone of sprint car racing in the Hoosier State since 1988, has captivated fans for decades with its thrilling action and rich legacy.
The 2025 Indiana Sprint Week schedule consists of eight events at eight different racetracks across a 10-night span between July 24-Aug. 2.
“Sprint car racing and Indianapolis Motor Speedway share a deeply intertwined history, and this event symbolizes the unification of two racing traditions,” USAC President Kevin Miller said. “USAC Sprint Cars at IMS will be an unforgettable experience for fans and competitors alike.”
Fans can sign up here to receive ticket and camping information to attend the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car event at IMS that starts Indiana Sprint Week.
Dates for the 2025 Driven2SaveLives BC39 for the USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Series will be announced later.

Back-to-Back Indy 500 Winner Newgarden Unveils Second Image on Borg-Warner Trophy

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From IMS. I will have more on this event tomorrow.

  INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024) – 2024 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge winner Josef Newgarden unveiled his likeness on the Borg-Warner Trophy on Dec. 4 in Indianapolis, one of the most significant honors since he won his second Indy 500 on May 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Newgarden, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, earned his second victory in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet.
This was the 20th Indy 500 victory for Team Penske, and Newgarden is the first back-to-back winner since Helio Castroneves won his second Indy 500 while driving for Team Penske in 2002.
The unveiling ceremony took place at COhatch Polk Stables, a coworking space for entrepreneurs and startups located in downtown Indianapolis.
The bas-relief, sterling silver image of Newgarden is the 111th face to be affixed to the iconic trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the Indianapolis 500 since 1936.
“Having my face added to the Borg-Warner Trophy is one of the coolest parts about winning the race,” Newgarden said. “Seeing the finished product, with two side-by-side images of my face, is an unbelievable honor, and I look forward to hopefully adding a third likeness to the row after this year’s Indy 500.”
Renowned sculptor Will Behrends created Newgarden’s image, as he has for every winner since 1990.Each face on the trophy is unique, even for a back-to-back winner like Newgarden. Behrends starts from scratch each year and begins his creative process by studying a series of 360-degree photos of the winner to get a baseline for sculpting before constructing a full-scale model of the driver’s face. Normally a driver would visit Behrends’ studio in Tryon, North Carolina, for an in-person session. This year’s visit was impacted by Hurricane Helene, so Newgarden and Behrends met virtually to make the final adjustments to the full-scale model.
This life-size clay version is used as reference for Behrends to construct the smaller model, a piece created out of a mixture of oil-based clay. The smaller clay model is turned into a mold and cast in wax before being sent to a jeweler to be transformed into sterling silver. Behrends completes his process by polishing and buffing the sculpture before attaching it to the trophy.
“Today is a special day for Josef and BorgWarner,” said Michelle Collins, global director marketing and public relations for BorgWarner.
“Josef is one of only six drivers to win back-to-back Indianapolis 500 victories in the race’s 113-year history, and unveiling his face on this spectacular trophy cements his mark not only in INDYCAR, but all of motorsports. BorgWarner is honored to uphold the tradition of the Borg-Warner Trophy and celebrate Josef’s historic 2024 Indianapolis 500 win.”
Originally designed in 1935, the sterling silver trophy measures over 5 feet, 4-3/4 inches tall and weighs more than 110 pounds as it carries the sculpted face of every victor since 1911.
Early next year, Newgarden will receive his BorgWarner Championships Driver’s Trophy, also known as a “Baby Borg,” a miniature replica of the large-scale Borg-Warner Trophy.
Tickets for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and all Month of May events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway are on sale at IMS.com. 
 

DRR Sets 500 Lineup of Hunter-Reay and Harvey

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Dreyer & Reinbold Racing with Cusick Motorsports announced this morning that Ryan Hunter-Reay, winner of the 2014 Indianapolis 500 and 2012 series champion, will return in one of their two entries for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. Jack Harvey will drive the second car.

Harvey is a veteran of seven Indianapolis 500s, with a best finish of ninth in 2020. His last 500, in 2023, is known for Harvey’s bumping teammate Graham Rahal out of the field on the day’s final run.

Harvey ran a partial season for Dale Coyne Racing in 2024. In 2023 he began the year with Rahal Letterman racing, but was let go midseason.

Hunter-Reay will drive for DRR for the third consecutive year. He started the race 12th last year and dropped out after 107 laps due to contact, finishing 26th.

TAG Heuer Extends Partnership with INDYCAR, IMS

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From IMS yesterday:

  INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Dec. 2, 2024) – TAG Heuer – the renowned Swiss Luxury watchmaker and motorsports sponsorship pioneer – has renewed its longstanding, multiyear partnerships with INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A whirlwind of speed and thrills, INDYCAR and the mythical Indianapolis 500-Mile Race have brought together fierce legends and adrenaline-seeking fans since 1911.Continuing as the Official Watch and Timekeeper of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, TAG Heuer also will remain a presenting sponsor of the Hulman Terrace Club hospitality suites at the Racing Capital of the World.
TAG Heuer started its partnership with INDYCAR in 2014 and with the Indianapolis 500 and IMS in 2004.
“With more than 20 years of history at IMS, TAG Heuer is a brand deeply rooted in motorsports and the traditions and values of INDYCAR and the Indy 500,” said Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles. “TAG Heuer is an ideal match for the precision and high performance on display at every INDYCAR event, most especially ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’”
During 20 years of partnership, TAG Heuer has released 17 special edition watches in homage to the Indy 500. Adorned with evocative details, such as the Speedway’s iconic Wing and Wheel logo and the Brickyard motif, these unique watches tell the story of drivers’ relentless thirst for victory on the racetrack. Bold new Indy 500 timepieces regularly breathe fresh creativity into this thriving partnership.
TAG Heuer will continue to provide a special edition watch to the winning driver and chief mechanic of the Indianapolis 500 and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion driver. Fans also can own a piece of racing heritage, as special edition Indy 500 watches are available for purchase.
“TAG Heuer is a brand synonymous with racing, and there is no better proving ground to demonstrate our passion and strong heritage in motorsport than at IMS during the Indy 500 with INDYCAR,” TAG Heuer CEO Antoine Pin said. 
TAG Heuer branding also will continue to have a strong presence at IMS, including on the highly visible IMS Pagoda and on the retaining wall near the iconic Yard of Bricks start-finish line during the Month of May.
The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on the Streets of St. Petersburg. The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Coverage of all 17 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races will be available on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network.