The world of INDYCAR is always buzzing, and the latest news confirms that the off-season is far from quiet! Teams are making strategic moves, and the competition is heating up even before the engines roar to life. Let's dive into the key personnel changes and exciting partnerships shaping the future of racing.
First up, we see a significant reshuffling of talent between teams. Veteran manager Brian Barnhart is moving from Arrow McLaren to Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) as their Senior Vice President of Operations. This is a big deal, as Barnhart brings a wealth of experience, including a previous partnership with RLL President Jay Frye from their time together at INDYCAR in the 2010s. Barnhart will also take on the role of race strategist for Graham Rahal's No. 15 Honda. Meanwhile, Kyle Sagan, an experienced mechanic, is also leaving Arrow McLaren to join RLL as their pit stop manager. This move aims to strengthen RLL's operational efficiency. But here's where it gets interesting...
Arrow McLaren isn't standing still! They've brought in Olivier Boisson, a seasoned engineer, as their head of damper engineering. Boisson has a long and respected career in INDYCAR, making him a valuable asset. This is the second major technical addition for Arrow McLaren after placing two drivers in the top five of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings for the first time in 2025. They also hired Eric Cowdin as director of engineering in September.
Next, we have some exciting news from Meyer Shank Racing (MSR). NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Alex Palou and Scott Dixon are joining forces with MSR in 2026 for select IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events. Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion, will team up with former INDYCAR SERIES driver AJ Allmendinger, along with full-time MSR sports car drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun, in the No. 60 Acura ARX-06 prototype in the premier GTP class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Dixon has already won the Rolex 24 four times! Palou will share the No. 93 Acura ARX-06 with full-time MSR sports car drivers Renger van der Zande and Nick Yelloly, along with Japanese standout Kakunoshin Ohta. Dixon and Palou will also be in the team’s lineups at the 12 Hours of Sebring and the season-ending Petit Le Mans. This collaboration promises thrilling races and increased competition in the endurance racing scene.
In other news, Arrow McLaren is making a significant investment in the future of motorsports. They've announced a multiyear sponsorship of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA). This partnership aims to advance, connect, and enable women across the industry. Arrow McLaren will play a key role in WIMNA's annual Indianapolis-based summit, “Women with Drive - Driven by Mobil 1”, bringing together professionals, students, and leaders. This commitment highlights the growing importance of diversity and inclusion in motorsports.
But here's a question for you: Do you think these personnel changes will significantly impact the teams' performance? And what are your thoughts on Arrow McLaren's sponsorship of WIMNA? Share your opinions in the comments below!
