Doug Boles Outlines Ambitious “Path Forward” for INDYCAR and IMS During Race Industry Week
The future of INDYCAR is being built on a blend of tradition, technology and long-term vision, according to Doug Boles, President of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), who shared an in-depth look at the series’ direction during Race Industry Week.
Speaking candidly about his expanded dual role, Boles detailed how the series is preparing for the next decade — from revamped fan experiences in Indianapolis to a strengthened partnership with FOX, a refreshed schedule, and the development of INDYCAR’s next-generation car and engine formula.
IMS Museum Reimagined: A New Way to Experience “The Speedway”
Boles began with the place that anchors everything: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The IMS Museum, originally opened in 1976, reopened this year after a complete reimagining — not just a renovation.
“For almost 50 years, that museum barely changed,” Boles explained. “Now it’s a completely different experience — interactive, immersive, and emotionally closer to what race day actually feels like.”
The redesigned museum features a dramatic “starting line” experience, new ways to view historic cars (including elevated and angled displays that let visitors peer into vintage cockpits), and enough content that “you really can’t do it all in one day.”
Even in December snow, Boles emphasized, IMS remains a living, breathing place.
“It may not be May weather, but there’s still something magical about this place, even when it’s quiet and covered in snow.”
Wearing Two Hats: IMS and INDYCAR
In 2025, Boles officially added the title of INDYCAR President to his long-standing role at IMS — a change that fundamentally shifts how he interacts with teams, manufacturers, drivers, and promoters.
“As the promoter of the Indianapolis 500, you’re setting the stage for everyone’s Super Bowl,” he said. “As President of INDYCAR, you’re suddenly the steward of everyone’s business model. Teams, drivers, OEMs, promoters — they all have different needs, and they don’t always align.”
Boles described 2025 as a year of listening and mapping — spending time with stakeholders across the paddock and drafting a long-term “path forward” for the series covering the next 2, 5, and 10 years.
One of the biggest personal lessons?
“I’d drive home some nights and ask myself: what did I do today to grow the sport, versus just putting out fires?” he said. “Competition and operations are critical — but if you live in the weeds, you don’t build the future.”
FOX as Partner and Investor: Momentum to Build On
A key pillar of that future is INDYCAR’s deepening relationship with FOX.
What began as a new broadcast partnership for 2025 quickly evolved into a strategic investment, with FOX acquiring a 30% stake in Penske Entertainment. Boles says that relationship has already shifted how INDYCAR operates.
“We’re talking to decision-makers at FOX literally every day,” he noted. “They’re not just airing our races. They’re invested in making INDYCAR grow.”
That collaboration has fueled new promotional ideas, cross-platform storytelling opportunities, and a unified push to expand the audience. The landmark 2025 season finale in Nashville, airing after the FIFA World Cup Final on FOX, was just the beginning.
“2025 was about introducing INDYCAR and FOX together,” Boles said. “Now that’s the baseline. We have to build from there — especially with younger audiences, social content, and YouTube. We’ve got incredible personalities. We need to tell their stories more aggressively.”
2026 Schedule: Momentum, Events, and Strategic Markets
Looking ahead to 2026, Boles highlighted several key changes to the INDYCAR schedule that are designed to keep momentum high and deepen market penetration.
Back-to-Back-to-Back Opening Stretch
A long-standing frustration — the gap between the St. Petersburg opener and the second round — has been addressed.
In 2026, INDYCAR will open with three consecutive weekends:
- St. Petersburg
- Phoenix
- Grand Prix of Arlington (Texas)
“You can’t disappear for three weeks after your season opener and expect to stay in people’s minds,” Boles said. “This new stretch keeps the story alive.”
New Grand Prix of Arlington
The new Texas street race, built around the Dallas Cowboys’ and Texas Rangers’ stadiums in Arlington, is designed as a true event, not just a race.
“So many street courses feel tight and confined,” Boles said. “Arlington is open, fast, and fan-friendly. We’re already seeing strong ticket and hospitality demand.”
Toronto’s New Home: Markham
After decades at Exhibition Place, INDYCAR’s Canadian round moves to a new street circuit in Markham, just north of Toronto.
“The enthusiasm from the city is incredible,” Boles noted. “We’ll have a wider street course, all-new asphalt, and better access. One of the biggest complaints about the old venue was just getting there. This solves a lot of that.”
Phoenix Returns, with NASCAR
Phoenix returns as an INDYCAR oval — this time as part of a shared weekend with NASCAR.
“Phoenix is an IndyCar heritage track,” Boles said. “Names like Foyt, Unser, Mears all won there. Pairing with NASCAR isn’t just convenient; it’s also a statement that major series can collaborate and help each other grow.”
Laguna Seca Finale & Nashville Showcase
Laguna Seca will once again serve as the season finale, echoing CART-era tradition, while Nashville retains its high-profile slot immediately after the World Cup Final broadcast on FOX — a crucial gateway to new viewers.
Balancing the DNA: Ovals, Road Courses and Streets
Boles reaffirmed that INDYCAR’s unique “triple-threat” identity is non-negotiable.
“Short ovals, superspeedways, natural terrain road courses, and street circuits — that mix is who we are,” he said. “I’m an oval guy at heart, but the key is making sure every type of circuit delivers compelling racing.”
New Markets: Northeast Priority, Mexico Still in Play
When asked about gaps on the map, Boles was clear: the Northeast United States is the top domestic priority.
“That’s the number one target region,” he said. “We’ve already walked a couple of potential venues and would love to have a Northeast race in the next few years. But if it’s a street race, it takes time to build it right.”
Internationally, Mexico City remains front-of-mind.
An agreement to race there narrowly missed the 2026 schedule, but conversations continue.
“With Pato O’Ward’s popularity, Mexico City would be a perfect fit,” Boles acknowledged. “If we add an international race, that’s the most likely candidate. The open question is whether it sits inside the championship or as a standalone exhibition.”
2028: The Next-Generation INDYCAR
Boles also provided a significant update on INDYCAR’s long-term technical roadmap.
A new next-generation car and engine package are being developed for 2028, in partnership with longtime chassis collaborator Dallara.
Key objectives include:
- Reduced weight
- Greater agility
- Enhanced safety, particularly on ovals
- The potential to challenge long-standing track records — including at IMS
“We want a car that’s lighter, more nimble and faster — but we won’t compromise safety,” Boles emphasized. “Especially on ovals, safety is paramount.”
INDYCAR aims to:
- Reveal the new car publicly in early 2026
- Begin series testing later in 2026
- Involve teams in testing throughout 2027
- Launch the new era officially in 2028
Engines and OEMs: Resetting the Playing Field
The 2028 reset also creates a rare opportunity: a level playing field for new engine manufacturers.
“If you’re a prospective OEM today, you’re hundreds of millions of dollars behind Honda and Chevrolet,” Boles noted. “A clean-sheet engine formula in 2028 gives everyone a fresh start — and that’s when it becomes realistic to add a third manufacturer.”
Boles confirmed active conversations with multiple automakers, while stressing the importance of keeping both current partners committed.
“Our dream scenario is at least three OEMs in 2028,” he said. “The momentum with FOX has really changed the tenor of those talks.”
Gaming, Digital and the Next Generation of Fans
Boles also highlighted the upcoming INDYCAR console video game being developed in partnership with iRacing as a major engagement tool.
“I’ve got a sim rig in my office and at home,” he joked. “I’ll be terrible at the game, but I can’t wait to get beaten by our fans.”
Combined with more aggressive YouTube and social media strategies, Boles sees gaming as central to bringing younger fans into the ecosystem.
A Shared Vision for the Next Decade
Perhaps the most important priority, Boles said, is establishing a clear, shared long-term vision for the entire INDYCAR community.
“We all remember when open-wheel racing was the North American motorsport,” he said. “Our goal over the next 5–10 years is to reclaim that position in a modern way.”
Boles has drafted what he calls the “path forward” — a strategic framework that will soon be shared more broadly with teams, partners and fans.
“We need something everyone can look at and say, ‘This is where INDYCAR is going, and here’s how we’ll measure progress,’” he said. “We won’t get every decision right, and we’ll have to pivot along the way. But we need to be rowing in the same direction.”
And on track?
Boles closed with a nod to the competitive reality awaiting in 2026.
“You still have to figure out how to beat Alex Palou,” he smiled. “That hasn’t changed just because we’ve been in the offseason.”
