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Independent Officiating Board Sets 2026 Structure, Will Oversee St. Petersburg Opener

Oversight at St. Petersburg will come directly from the three-member board pending the managing director hire.

Overview

  • The IOB formed the not-for-profit INDYCAR Officiating Inc. and finalized the 2026 budget to strengthen separation from series management and expand transparency reporting.
  • The board is still interviewing candidates for a managing director of officiating and will provide on-site oversight at the St. Petersburg opener until the appointment is made.
  • Kyle Novak remains race director and vice president of INDYCAR Officiating, continuing to lead race control and enforcement for both INDYCAR and INDY NXT.
  • Kevin “Rocket” Blanch stays on as technical director, with veteran Nick Allen added as NTT INDYCAR SERIES technical inspection manager and further technical staffing planned.
  • Chief stewards Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis are retained, and a dedicated INDY NXT race director and tech inspection manager are being added to bolster series-specific leadership.