The INDYCAR Offseason Shuffle: Key Personnel Moves and More!
In the world of INDYCAR, the Silly Season for drivers may be winding down, but the action behind the scenes is just heating up! Let's dive into the latest team news and shakeups that are keeping the racing world on its toes.
A Tale of Two Teams: Arrow McLaren and RLL's Strategic Hires
While most teams have wrapped up their driver lineups, the movement of key personnel continues to shape the landscape of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Veteran manager Brian Barnhart has made a significant move, transitioning from Arrow McLaren to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) as their new senior vice president of operations. Joining him at RLL is experienced mechanic Kyle Sagan, who has taken on the role of pit stop manager. But here's where it gets interesting: it's not all about substitutions for Arrow McLaren. The team has also welcomed veteran engineer Olivier Boisson as their new head of damper engineering, bringing a wealth of experience from his time with KV Racing Technology and Dale Coyne Racing.
Barnhart's arrival at RLL reunites him with President Jay Frye, a duo that worked together in the 2010s at INDYCAR. With Barnhart's strategic mind and Frye's leadership, RLL is poised to make some serious moves. And this is the part most people miss: Barnhart's role as race strategist for Graham Rahal's No. 15 Honda adds an extra layer of expertise to the team's operations.
Arrow McLaren's Technical Boost
Arrow McLaren has been making waves this offseason with their technical additions. Following the hiring of Eric Cowdin as director of engineering in September, the team has now brought on board the highly regarded Olivier Boisson. With two drivers, Pato O'Ward and Christian Lundgaard, finishing in the top five of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings in 2025, Arrow McLaren is clearly aiming for even greater success in the upcoming season. Boisson's expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their pursuit of the championship.
Champions Unite: Palou and Dixon Team Up with MSR
NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Alex Palou and Scott Dixon are joining forces with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) for selected long-distance IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events in 2026. This powerhouse collaboration will see Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR champion and four-time Rolex 24 winner, team up with Palou, a former MSR team member who finished second at Sebring this year. They will be joined by former INDYCAR driver AJ Allmendinger and INDYCAR veterans Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, creating a formidable lineup for the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 25-26.
Arrow McLaren's Commitment to Diversity: Sponsoring Women in Motorsports
In a move that has garnered attention, Arrow McLaren announced a multiyear sponsorship of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA) on November 3. The team is committed to advancing, connecting, and empowering women across the motorsports industry. As part of their collaboration, Arrow McLaren will play a pivotal role in the Women with Drive - Driven by Mobil 1 summit, an annual event in Indianapolis that brings together professionals, students, and leaders from the racing world. Lauren Gaudion, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Arrow McLaren, will be speaking on a panel entitled "Breaking In: Non-Traditional Pathways into Motorsports," sharing insights and inspiring the next generation of women in racing.
And the Story Continues...
With the INDYCAR offseason in full swing, there's still plenty to look forward to. Keep an eye out for more news and updates as teams continue to strategize and prepare for the upcoming season. Will these personnel moves pay off? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the racing world is buzzing with anticipation!
