Richard Buck named as director of INDY NXT
Veteran racing industry executive Richard Buck has been named as director of INDY NXT by Firestone, INDYCAR officials announced Dec. 10.
Buck takes over all operations and competition for INDY NXT by Firestone, the developmental series of INDYCAR that prepares drivers, engineers and other team personnel for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.
Phoenix native Buck assumes his new role after 35 years of motorsports experience, including operations and project management, competition officiating, engineering and race strategy in NASCAR and INDYCAR.
“I am thrilled to return to my racing roots in INDYCAR,” Buck said. “I have always kept my eye on the sport, and the opportunity to be the director of INDY NXT was something I could not pass up. The developmental series is on the rise as it continues to advance talent to the premier open-wheel series in North America.”
Buck most recently served as the president and CEO of motorsports consultant 3194 Motorsports LLC and as the managing director of the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014-2019. Before that, he was the vice president of racing operations in IMSA from 2013-2014 before stints as the managing director for GRAND-AM, NASCAR’s Touring Series and NASCAR’s Racing Development in Canada and Mexico from 2005-2013.
“The competition is fierce, and the future is bright for INDY NXT by Firestone,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “With his vast motorsports experience, Richard is a tremendous fit for the series’ leadership role, and we are excited to welcome him back into the INDYCAR family.”
Introduction to INDYCAR
Buck was originally introduced to INDYCAR in 1979 when he began working with a long list of accomplished drivers while accumulating Indianapolis 500 by Gainbridge wins and INDYCAR SERIES championships:
Years | Team | Position | Drivers
1996-2000 | Precision Preparation Inc. (PPI) | Team Manager and Race Strategist | Cristiano da MattaRobby GordonHiro MatsushitaMax PapisScott PruettOriol Servia
1985-1996 | Penske Racing | Crew Chief | Emerson FittipaldiRick MearsDanny SullivanPaul TracyAl UnserAl Unser Jr.
1985 | Alex Foods Racing | Crew Chief | Johnny Rutherford
1982-1984 | Provimi Racing | Crew Chief | Tony BettenhausenDerek DalyArie Luyendyk
1996-2000 | Precision Preparation Inc. (PPI) | Team Manager and Race Strategist | Cristiano da MattaRobby GordonHiro MatsushitaMax PapisScott PruettOriol Servia
1985-1996 | Penske Racing | Crew Chief | Emerson FittipaldiRick MearsDanny SullivanPaul TracyAl UnserAl Unser Jr.
1985 | Alex Foods Racing | Crew Chief | Johnny Rutherford
1982-1984 | Provimi Racing | Crew Chief | Tony BettenhausenDerek DalyArie Luyendyk
Other Experience in Motorsports
While at PPI, Buck also helped the team field teams in developmental Toyota Atlantic series, NASCAR and various off-road racing series.
His transition to NASCAR came in 2000-2004, when he served in a variety of team managerial and race strategist roles at Team Gordon, Andy Petree Racing, Petty Enterprises, Robert Yates Racing and Curb Agajanian Performance Group.
Buck’s motorsports career began in the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, working for Gary Stanton Racing and popular drivers Steve Kinser, Ronnie Shuman, and Sammy and Jeff Swindell.
The 2025 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins Sunday, March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Coverage throughout the 14-race season can be seen via FOX Sports on either FS1 and FS2, with audio coverage available from the INDYCAR Radio Network.
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