INDYCAR Unveils Independent Officiating for 2026 Season

New oversight board to oversee race control and technical inspection for greater transparency and accountability

Feb. 23, 2026 at 4:08pm

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The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is implementing a new independent officiating system for the 2026 season, establishing the Independent Officiating Board (IOB) to oversee race control, technical inspection, and other officiating functions. The IOB, led by chairman Raj Nair, will work to improve transparency, consistency, and fairness in INDYCAR's officiating processes.

Why it matters

This move to independent officiating aims to address long-standing concerns within the INDYCAR paddock about the transparency and consistency of officiating decisions. By separating the officiating functions from INDYCAR's operational and governance structures, the series hopes to build more trust and credibility in its rulings.

The details

The IOB, comprised of Raj Nair, Ray Evernham, and Ronan Morgan, will oversee the new INDYCAR Officiating Inc. as a not-for-profit corporation. They are actively searching for a Managing Director of Officiating to lead the independent operation. Current INDYCAR personnel like race director Kyle Novak and technical director Kevin 'Rocket' Blanch will remain in their roles, providing continuity, while the IOB plans to add more resources and support.

  • The new independent officiating system will be fully implemented starting with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 1, 2026.
  • The IOB members will be present at the season opener in St. Petersburg and share responsibilities across the first few events until the Managing Director of Officiating is appointed.

The players

Raj Nair

Chairman of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB).

Ray Evernham

Secretary and treasurer of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB).

Ronan Morgan

FIA appointee to the Independent Officiating Board (IOB).

Kyle Novak

Will continue as race director and vice president of INDYCAR Officiating, leveraging his experience since taking on the role in 2018.

Kevin 'Rocket' Blanch

Will remain as INDYCAR Officiating's technical director, overseeing the technical inspection process.

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What they’re saying

“The board has been meticulous and thorough in our review of INDYCAR's officiating process and procedures.”

— Raj Nair, Chairman of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB)

“One of the clear takeaways...has been that INDYCAR already greatly benefits from the knowledgeable and professional personnel in race control and technical inspection.”

— Ray Evernham, Secretary and treasurer of the Independent Officiating Board (IOB)

“The officiating in INDYCAR is not broken...At this point, our opinion is that independent INDYCAR Officiating should be framed as a sensible evolution when it comes to general process.”

— Ronan Morgan, FIA appointee to the Independent Officiating Board (IOB)

What’s next

The Independent Officiating Board will continue their search for a Managing Director of Officiating to lead the new independent operation, with the goal of having the position filled before the start of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This move to independent officiating in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES represents a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability, and consistency in the series' decision-making processes, addressing long-standing concerns from teams and fans alike.