In a seismic shift for IndyCar, Jay Frye has officially stepped down as IndyCar president, with Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) president Doug Boles taking over the role. The move consolidates two of the most important leadership positions in American open-wheel racing, placing Boles at the helm of both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
This major reshuffle comes at a critical time for the series, as IndyCar gears up for its first season under Fox Sports’ television coverage and prepares to roll out its hybrid engine system.
Jay Frye’s Departure: End of an Era
Frye, who first joined IndyCar leadership in 2015, leaves behind a decade-long legacy of innovation and stability. He played a key role in:
🏎️ Introducing the aeroscreen, dramatically improving driver safety.
🏎️ Developing IndyCar’s upcoming hybrid engine package.
🏎️ Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the sport’s survival.
🏎️ Expanding IndyCar’s commercial and marketing efforts to attract new audiences.
Despite his departure, Frye remains highly respected in the IndyCar paddock, though it remains unclear whether he has already secured a new role elsewhere in motorsports.
“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be the president of IndyCar,” Frye stated.
“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.”
Doug Boles Takes Control of IndyCar and IMS
With Boles now leading both IndyCar and IMS, the shift marks a historic consolidation of leadership within Penske Entertainment. Boles has been a fixture at IMS since 2010, overseeing $150 million in facility upgrades and playing a key role in making the Indy 500 the largest single-day sporting event in the world.
“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 truly believe the future is bigger and brighter than ever for our sport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
Boles will report to Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles, who praised the move as the right step forward for the series.
“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both IndyCar and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility.”
More Leadership Changes: IndyCar’s New Power Structure
With Boles assuming dual leadership, IndyCar has made several additional promotions to manage day-to-day operations effectively.
🔹 Mark Sibla → Senior VP of IndyCar Competition & Operations. He will oversee general operations and key projects, including the development of IndyCar’s next-generation car.
🔹 Kyle Novak → VP of Officiating & Race Control. The former IndyCar race director (since 2018) will take on a broader role in overseeing race regulations and fairness.
🔹 Alex Damron → Chief Marketing Officer. He played a pivotal role in the series’ transition to Fox Sports, and now leads IndyCar’s marketing and fan engagement efforts.
🔹 Louis Kissinger → General Manager of IMS Operations. He will oversee suite sales, track operations, and event management for the iconic venue.
Why This Matters: A Critical Year for IndyCar
IndyCar enters 2025 at a major crossroads. With new TV coverage on Fox, a hybrid engine package debut, and growing pressure to expand its audience, strong leadership is crucial.
Doug Boles is a fan-favorite figure and a proven executive, but can he balance the massive responsibilities of running both IndyCar and IMS?
Meanwhile, with Frye’s departure, will IndyCar lose momentum in technical and competition development, or will the new leadership team build on his legacy?
One thing is certain—the 2025 IndyCar season just became even more intriguing.