By: Spencer Neff
February 26, 2025

While the paddock will be filled with changes beginning with this weekend’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, INDYCAR will see a number of changes throughout the sanctioning body.

The changes involve a number of old faces, some in new places and new faces to the paddock. Here’s a look at the major offseason storylines.

Buxton joins Hinchcliffe and Bell in FOX Booth

After Fox Sports’ new media rights deal was announced in June, one of the major talking points was the network’s choices for on-air talent.

On January 14, Will Buxton was announced as the lead announcer for their INDYCAR broadcasts.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be embarking on this new and incredibly exciting opportunity to return to FOX, exactly 15 years after SPEED Channel offered a young and very green reporter his first break on network TV,” Buxton said.

Buxton joins the series after more than 15 years of journalism experience around the Formula 1 world, which included stints at Speed Channel (now FS1), NBC Sports (where he served as IndyCar pit reporter at various points) and F1TV.

“I’ve been a fan of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for as long as I’ve been watching racing cars and have always marveled at the skill and bravery of its incredible drivers. To have the chance to tell their stories and call their races is a dream come true, and something I never imagined I’d have the honor of doing. It’s a tremendous responsibility, and not one I take lightly.”

Joining Buxton in the booth will be former IndyCar drivers James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell.

“I’m super excited to be part of the FOX Sports team heading into the 2025 season,” Hinchcliffe said in the announcement.

“FOX Sports comes in with huge goals of growing the sport, something I’m incredibly passionate about. It’s fantastic to be reunited with Townsend, and it’s a massive win for the sport to bring in Will Buxton.”

Hinchcliffe embarks on his fourth season as television analyst, following an 11-year INDYCAR career that saw him earn six victories.

“I got my start in television 21 years ago with the FOX Sports family of networks, working on SPEED Channel’s F1 coverage,” Bell said.

Beginning his 13th season as part of INDYCAR’s television broadcasts, Bell’s racing resume includes 31 starts in the series.

“It’s really cool to see things come full circle, especially with INDYCAR, which has been my home for so long. FOX Sports and INDYCAR will be a powerful combination.”

Bell and Hinchcliffe have worked together on NBC’s INDYCAR broadcasts the last three seasons.

Boles named INDYCAR President in organizational reshuffle

On February 11, INDYCAR announced a slew of changes to its organizational structure.

Highlighted in the announcement was the series naming Doug Boles as President of INDYCAR. This will be in addition to his role as President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Boles has been in that role since 2013.

“Racing is in my DNA, and no form of racing resonates more personally and strongly with me than the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” Boles exclaimed

“I’m honored to lead the amazing team at INDYCAR, and I truly believe the future is bigger and brighter than ever for our sport and theIndianapolis Motor Speedway. I’m extremely grateful to Mark Miles for this opportunity, and fanscan rest assured the hard work is already under way and 2025 will be a fantastic season.”

Other changes announced included:

Mark Sibla will be promoted to Senior Vice President INDYCAR Competition &Operations.

Kyle Novak will become INDYCAR’s Vice President of Officiating and Race Control.

Alex Damron has been named Chief Marketing Officer, INDYCAR, while also continuingas Vice President of Corporate Communications for Penske Entertainment.

Louis Kissinger will be promoted to General Manager, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Operations.

Jay Frye departs INDYCAR after more than nine years as president.

“It has been an absolute honor and privilege to be the President of INDYCAR and workalongside the dedicated and talented men and women at INDYCAR and in the INDYCAR paddock,” Frye said.

“The growth and success the series has had over the last 10 years would not be possible without the commitment and collaboration of the owners, drivers and teams.”

Header Image By Chris Owens/INDYCAR