The INDYCAR Silly Season: Unveiling the Behind-the-Scenes Action!
While the driver market might be settling down for most NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams, the personnel shuffle continues to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Get ready for some exciting news and a few surprises!
A New Chapter for Brian Barnhart and Kyle Sagan
Veteran manager Brian Barnhart has decided to leave Arrow McLaren and join forces with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) as their senior vice president of operations. This move reunites Barnhart with RLL President Jay Frye, a duo that worked together in the 2010s at INDYCAR. But here's where it gets interesting: experienced mechanic Kyle Sagan also made the switch, leaving Arrow McLaren to become RLL's pit stop manager. It's a fresh start for both, and we can't wait to see the impact they'll have on their new team.
Arrow McLaren's Engineering Boost
However, it's not all about departures for Arrow McLaren. The team has made a significant addition by bringing on veteran engineer Olivier Boisson as their head of damper engineering. Boisson's extensive experience in the INDYCAR SERIES paddock, having worked with KV Racing Technology and Dale Coyne Racing, will undoubtedly be a valuable asset. His expertise will be crucial as Arrow McLaren aims to build on their impressive 2025 season, where they placed two drivers in the top five of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings for the first time.
And this is the part most people miss...
Arrow McLaren's technical team is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with. With the recent hire of Eric Cowdin as director of engineering, the team is making strategic moves to strengthen their engineering department. It's an exciting time for the organization, and we can't help but wonder what other surprises they have up their sleeve.
Champions Team Up: Palou and Dixon Join Forces
Now, let's shift our focus to some exciting news on the racing front. NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Alex Palou and Scott Dixon will be joining forces with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) in 2026 to compete in selected long-distance IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events. This collaboration brings together some of the most talented drivers in the sport, and we can't wait to see them in action.
A Star-Studded Lineup for MSR
Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion and four-time Rolex 24 winner, will be joined by former INDYCAR SERIES driver AJ Allmendinger, as well as MSR's full-time sports car drivers Tom Blomqvist and Colin Braun. This star-studded lineup will take on the premier GTP class in the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 25-26 at Daytona International Speedway. Palou, who was part of the MSR team that finished second at Sebring this year, will also be sharing the No. 93 Acura ARX-06 with Japanese standout Kakunoshin Ohta.
Arrow McLaren's Commitment to Diversity
In other news, Arrow McLaren announced a multiyear sponsorship of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA), showcasing their commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry. The team will play a pivotal role in the Women with Drive - Driven by Mobil 1 summit, an annual event that brings together professionals, students, and leaders in the motorsports landscape. Arrow McLaren Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Lauren Gaudion, will be speaking on a panel entitled "Breaking In: Non-Traditional Pathways into Motorsports," offering valuable insights and inspiring conversations.
What do you think about these moves? Are you excited for the upcoming season? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of INDYCAR!
