The reins of Chevrolet’s IndyCar program are about to change hands as Rob Buckner, the current program manager, prepares to step away following the race at Barber Motorsports Park on May 4th. This decision springs not from any professional disagreement but from the joyous personal occasion of Buckner and his wife expecting their first child later in May.
Upon his return, Buckner will assume an influential role as Senior Manager of the GM Motorsports Propulsion Program Team, taking command of a significant portion of General Motors’ racing engine programs. This transition comes in the wake of Russ O’Blenes, a seasoned GM Racing and powertrain expert, being promoted to spearhead the new Cadillac Formula 1 motor program.
In his new position, Buckner will follow in O’Blenes’ illustrious footsteps, overseeing the engine components of GM’s involvements in NASCAR, IMSA GTP/WEC LMDh, and the global GT3 racing with Corvette, along with IndyCar.
Reflecting on his journey, Buckner shared, “I joined GM directly out of college in 2010, working on product development for the C7 Corvette. Then, I had the opportunity to meet Russ O’Blenes, which marked a turning point in my career. Now, I’m stepping into some huge shoes, a responsibility I’m honored to accept.”
Buckner’s rise within the IndyCar scene has been meteoric, beginning as an engine technician supporting Sebastien Bourdais at the former KVSH Racing team, with whom he clinched two race victories in 2015. By 2018, Buckner was introduced as Chevy’s new IndyCar program manager, taking over from Chris Berube. Under Buckner’s stewardship, Chevy has secured the last three Manufacturers’ championships.
Andrew Schutter, currently Buckner’s deputy, will ascend to the helm as Chevy’s new Competition and Engineering IndyCar Program Manager.
Speaking on the breadth of his responsibilities, Buckner stated, “We compete in numerous series, with diverse engine architectures. I’m thrilled to be involved in LMDh, GT3, NASCAR… Working again with our partners at Hendrick and ECR is fantastic. It’s a great time for the IndyCar program as well, with Andrew Schutter ready and equipped to elevate IndyCar further.”
Buckner looks forward to the challenges of his new role and the opportunity to learn about sports car racing, a new domain for him. However, he admits a fondness for IndyCar and cherishes the relationships he built within the community. Although he will miss the paddock, he is reassured by the fact that he will still be involved, albeit in a different capacity.
