rewrite this title IndyCar makes major course correction after Roger Penske’s Indy 500 scandal

The American open wheel racing series, IndyCar, made the major announcement of having an independent officiating system for the 2026 IndyCar series and the Indy NXT series. The series has made this major course correction following Roger Penske’s Team Penske Indy 500 scandal.

IndyCar hosted a delegation from the FIA at the Milwaukee Mile earlier this year to understand the intricate details of how an external governing body governs the sport. In the following months, a decision was made not to sanction the IndyCar races to an external sanctioning body, but to form an independent officiating system.

The American open wheel racing series came out on December 11, 2025, and confirmed the formation of a new independent, not-for-profit organization named INDYCAR Officiating Inc., which will be the independent officiating system for IndyCar and its ladder series starting in 2026.

The independent organisation will be governed by a three-person Independent Officiating Board. The board members were selected earlier this week, as two members were selected by the team owners and the third member was appointed by F1’s governing body FIA.

Ray Evernham and Raj Nair are the two IOB members selected by the team owners, whereas Ronan Morgan was appointed by the FIA. The role of the FIA will be limited to selecting the board member, and it won’t directly influence the officiating in any way.

Earlier this year, at the 109th running of the Indy 500, Team Penske was involved in the attenuator scandal, which led to Will Power and Josef Newgarden starting at the back of the grid. In 2024, Roger Penske’s team was found guilty of the push-to-pass scandal, which led to disqualification from races.

The IOB will appoint a Managing Director of Officiating, who will be responsible for full officiating oversight, including hiring race control personnel, and enforcing the rule book, all of which was previously done by Penske Entertainment officials. The MD will report to IOB with no oversight from IndyCar or Penske Entertainment.

IndyCar President and Roger Penske’s right hand reacts to the independent officiating system

IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles, as well as Penske Entertainment CEO Mark Miles, have been involved in the officiating process since Roger Penske bought the American open wheel racing series. Detailing the thoughts on the formation of INDYCAR Officiating Inc., Doug Boles said,

“We have remained committed to independent officiating for 2026, and we are pleased to announce this next step. The INDYCAR team owners and the FIA have selected a world-class board with high character, incredible knowledge and an intense passion for motorsports and INDYCAR racing.”

“We are excited to launch this new structure of INDYCAR officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons.,” said Mark Miles

The independent body will ensure fairness across the teams and avoid any conflict of interest.

Edited by Pranay Bhagi