INDIANAPOLIS — In a significant leadership shift, Roger Penske has appointed Doug Boles as president of IndyCar, a role previously held by Jay Frye. This change was announced on Tuesday, marking Frye’s exit from the organization after a decade of service as IndyCar’s president.
Boles has been at the helm of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) since 2013, during which he played a crucial role in overseeing landmark events, including the historic sellout of the 100th Indianapolis 500—the largest crowd ever for this iconic race. “I truly believe the future is bigger and brighter than ever for our sport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” stated Boles, expressing optimism for the future of both the motor racing series and the track.
This announcement follows another recent change within the Team Penske hierarchy, where Tim Cindric, who has long been a key figure in competition, stepped back from his overall leadership position while retaining his role as president of the IndyCar program. Penske’s racing organization is coming off a remarkably successful season, having secured wins at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, a second consecutive victory at the Indianapolis 500, and its third straight NASCAR Cup Series championship, along with titles in both IMSA and WEC competitions. Last month, Team Penske also triumphed at the Rolex 24 for the second year in a row.
Despite these achievements, Roger Penske is actively implementing changes aimed at further fortifying the organization. Under the Penske Entertainment umbrella, he owns both IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, distinct from his racing teams. The announcement highlighted Boles’ exceptional skills in promotion and strategic marketing as key reasons for his appointment.
“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both IndyCar and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility,” remarked Mark Miles, President and CEO of Penske Entertainment. He emphasized Boles’ capabilities as a leader and motivator who garners respect and admiration from fans, drivers, team owners, and other essential stakeholders within the racing community.
In addition to Boles’ promotion, several other appointments were announced. Mark Sibla has been elevated to senior vice president of IndyCar competition and operations, while Kyle Novak has been designated vice president of officiating and race control for IndyCar. Louis Kissinger has also been promoted to the general manager of IMS operations.