IndyCar Appoints New Leadership Team for Next-Generation Car Project

IndyCar Appoints New Leadership Team for Next-Generation Car Project

By Michael Anderson

February 22, 2025 at 04:52 AM

Penske Entertainment leads have taken control of IndyCar's future car development project, marking a significant shift from traditional technical leadership.

Mark Miles (Penske Entertainment CEO) and Rich Shearing (Penske Automotive Group COO) will jointly oversee the new chassis and engine formula development. New IndyCar president Doug Boles completes the leadership trio, replacing Jay Frye. Notably, none of the three leaders have direct race car engineering experience.

IndyCar pit stop at Sonoma

IndyCar pit stop at Sonoma

Mark Miles clarified his observational role: "I haven't done this before, and I'm not leading this. I'm observing it and trying to ask the right questions and making sure that our key stakeholders are involved."

Rich Shearing, though new to IndyCar, brings significant engineering and business expertise. He's described as the project's "quarterback" and has earned praise from team owners. Miles highlighted Shearing's experience with suppliers like Ilmor and his process development skills.

Key aspects of the development process:

  • IndyCar's technical and engineering team remains involved in weekly Wednesday meetings
  • Mark Sibla continues managing the project's progress and hybridization efforts
  • Ilmor, co-owned by Roger Penske, provides significant input
  • Roger Penske maintains central involvement in decision-making

While initially targeted for 2027, the new car formula will likely debut in 2028. Miles emphasized quality over timing: "If we can have it by '27, that would be great... But if it's not doable with clarity and certainty, then we won't put it out for '27."

The development process focuses on attracting additional manufacturers while maintaining competitive balance between existing partners Chevrolet and Honda.

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