IndyCar Moves to Independent Officiating for 2026
IndyCar’s parent company, Penske Entertainment, has decided not to outsource race governance or technical oversight to external groups such as the SCCA or FIA. Instead, the organization will establish its own independent officiating structure beginning in 2026.
Creation of an Independent Board
According to RACER, Penske Entertainment is forming a new three-person tribunal that will oversee race control and technical inspection operations autonomously while maintaining communication with the company.
RACER has learned the formation of the independent board will move forward as a brand-new creation by Penske Entertainment.
Next Steps and Leadership Search
During a recent meeting with team owners, Penske outlined its plan to assemble this board. Once appointed, its members will conduct a private search to recruit a lead administrator responsible for day-to-day management and direct reporting to the tribunal.
Background and Decision Process
The decision follows consultations held in August with an FIA delegation at the Milwaukee Mile, where options for external oversight were examined before rejecting the outsourcing approach in favor of full internal control.
Author’s summary: Penske Entertainment will create an autonomous three-person board to govern IndyCar race operations internally from 2026, rejecting external oversight solutions.