Former IndyCar President Jay Frye Reflects on Decade of Change

Frye now serves as President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing after stepping down from IndyCar in 2025

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A year after stepping down as IndyCar President, Jay Frye is reflecting on a decade of change and growth within the open-wheel series. Frye, who now serves as President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, highlighted key achievements during his tenure, including the implementation of the aeroscreen safety device and securing a new title sponsor in NTT Data. He emphasized the importance of building consensus within the IndyCar paddock and fostering collaborative relationships with team owners, drivers, and other stakeholders.

Why it matters

Frye's tenure as IndyCar President was marked by significant technological advancements and a focus on improving safety and driver talent, which helped elevate the series. His transition to a leadership role at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing signals his continued commitment to the sport and the potential for further growth and success at the team level.

The details

Frye joined IndyCar in 2013 as Chief Revenue Officer, quickly ascending to President of Competition and Operations in 2015 and ultimately assuming the role of IndyCar President at the end of 2018. During his 10-year tenure, he navigated the series through multiple ownership changes and consistently strived to build consensus and foster a collaborative environment within the paddock. Frye highlighted the implementation of the aeroscreen, a halo-like device designed to protect drivers from debris, as a key achievement, noting its rapid development and positive impact on driver safety and attracting new talent to the series. He also recounted the challenge of securing a new title sponsor in NTT Data following the expiration of Verizon's deal.

  • Frye joined IndyCar as Chief Revenue Officer in 2013.
  • Frye became President of Competition and Operations in 2015.
  • Frye assumed the role of IndyCar President at the end of 2018.
  • Frye stepped down from his role as IndyCar President on February 11, 2025.
  • Frye was announced as the new President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing on April 1, 2025.

The players

Jay Frye

Former IndyCar President who now serves as President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

Bobby Rahal

Co-owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, who recruited Frye to join the team.

Jimmie Johnson

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who expressed interest in IndyCar after the implementation of the aeroscreen.

Romain Grosjean

Former Formula 1 driver who joined IndyCar after the implementation of the aeroscreen.

Mick Schumacher

Son of Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, who was recently added to the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's a lot of things that I think changed the sport in a really positive way that happened in that 10-year period.”

— Jay Frye, Former IndyCar President (newsdirectory3.com)

“It's hard to put that on a resume, per se. But I felt like we were all in it together, and I felt like ultimately we had to decide things...That was our job; building a consensus, getting their opinions, we called it harnessing the power of the paddock.”

— Jay Frye, Former IndyCar President (newsdirectory3.com)

“As you look at it, Jimmie Johnson and other people that came into the sport, Romain Grosjean, there were drivers that came in after that was implemented that might not have if we didn't have it on the car.”

— Jay Frye, Former IndyCar President (newsdirectory3.com)

“NTT, that was a big deal. We talked to NTT in Sonoma; it was the first time we even talked to them. We had nothing going into the next season. And between Sonoma in September until Christmas, we turned around a league entitlement, which, those are very complicated.”

— Jay Frye, Former IndyCar President (newsdirectory3.com)

“Once this went down, he was one of the first calls I got. And we started talking, and I wasn't sure exactly what I wanted to do. It was something that I really felt...we're building something for the future.”

— Jay Frye, New President of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

Frye and the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team will look to build on their recent roster additions and continue to develop the team's competitiveness in the 2026 IndyCar season.

The takeaway

Frye's tenure as IndyCar President was marked by significant technological advancements, improved safety, and a focus on fostering collaborative relationships within the paddock. His transition to a leadership role at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing suggests a continued commitment to the sport and the potential for further growth and success at the team level.