In a monumental shift for the NTT IndyCar Series, Doug Boles has been officially named President of IndyCar, while continuing his role as Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) President. This marks the most significant leadership restructuring since Roger Penske acquired the series in 2020, setting the stage for a new era of IndyCar growth and promotion.
Boles, who has led IMS since 2013, has been a fan-favorite executive, widely praised for his engagement with spectators, strategic investments, and his role in modernizing the Indy 500. Now, as he takes the reins of the entire series, the move signals a major push to expand IndyCar’s visibility and commercial success.
Why Boles? A Proven Leader for IndyCar’s Next Chapter
With more than $150 million invested in IMS under his leadership, Boles has been instrumental in elevating the prestige of the Indy 500, particularly its 100th running in 2016, which saw record attendance and global attention.
But his greatest strength? Connecting with fans.
Unlike many corporate executives, Boles is known for walking the track, talking to spectators in general admission areas, and addressing fan concerns directly. His hands-on approach has made him one of the most respected figures in American motorsports, and now he’ll bring that passion to IndyCar’s overall leadership.
“Racing is in my DNA, and no form of racing resonates more personally and strongly with me than the NTT IndyCar Series,” Boles said.
“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.”
With IndyCar switching to Fox Sports in 2025, Boles will spearhead efforts to grow the series, enhance its marketing strategies, and maximize its new media partnership.
Jay Frye Departs: The End of an Era
The shake-up means the departure of Jay Frye, who led IndyCar for nearly a decade, overseeing major technical and safety advancements. Frye was responsible for:
✅ Introducing the Aeroscreen in 2020, improving driver safety.
✅ Navigating the hybrid engine rollout, which faced logistical and supply chain issues.
✅ Maintaining series stability during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frye’s exit marks the end of a crucial chapter for IndyCar, but his technical and operational contributions will leave a lasting impact on the sport.
Additional Leadership Changes: A New-Look IndyCar
With Boles now leading both IndyCar and IMS, a series of high-profile promotions have been announced to manage the increased workload.
🚀 Mark Sibla → Senior VP of IndyCar Competition
- Responsible for operations and key projects, including IndyCar’s next-generation chassis set for 2027.
🚀 Kyle Novak → VP of Officiating & Race Control
- Takes charge of race regulations, officiating decisions, and overseeing race weekends.
🚀 Alex Damron → Chief Marketing Officer
- Leads IndyCar’s marketing and branding efforts, ensuring a smooth transition to Fox Sports’ coverage.
🚀 Louis Kissinger → General Manager of IMS Operations
- Oversees track operations, event execution, and suite/hospitality sales at IMS.
What This Means for IndyCar’s Future
IndyCar is entering a new era, with Fox Sports taking over TV rights and a long-term focus on growing the sport’s popularity. With Boles at the helm, expect:
📈 More aggressive promotion to expand IndyCar’s reach.
📺 A refreshed broadcast strategy with Fox Sports.
🏎️ Continued technical advancements, including the hybrid rollout and future chassis development.
Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles summed it up best:
“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both IndyCar and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility.”
The 2025 IndyCar season is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent memory, and with Boles leading the charge, the series could be on the verge of a major breakthrough.