Get ready for some exciting news and moves in the world of motorsports! The Silly Season may be winding down, but the action behind the scenes is just heating up.
Let's dive into the latest team news and personnel shifts that are sure to spark some interesting discussions among racing enthusiasts.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) and Arrow McLaren Make Strategic Hires:
In a move that reunites veteran manager Brian Barnhart with RLL President Jay Frye, Barnhart has joined RLL as their senior vice president of operations. Accompanying him is experienced mechanic Kyle Sagan, who has taken on the role of pit stop manager. This strategic hire brings a wealth of experience to the team, with Barnhart's expertise in race strategy and Sagan's skills in pit stops.
But here's where it gets controversial... Arrow McLaren hasn't been left behind in the talent game. They've made a significant addition by bringing on veteran engineer Olivier Boisson as their head of damper engineering. Boisson's extensive career in the INDYCAR SERIES paddock makes him a well-recognized and respected figure, having worked with notable teams like KV Racing Technology and Dale Coyne Racing.
Arrow McLaren's Technical Boost:
Arrow McLaren's offseason moves don't stop there. They've made a second major technical addition by hiring Eric Cowdin as the director of engineering. With these strategic hires, the team is aiming 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.
All-Star Lineup for MSR Endurance Racing:
Get ready for some thrilling endurance racing action as NTT INDYCAR SERIES champions Alex Palou and Scott Dixon join forces with Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) in 2026. These racing legends will be part of MSR's lineup for selected long-distance IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship events, including the prestigious Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Dixon, a six-time INDYCAR SERIES champion, brings his expertise and a proven track record, having won the Rolex 24 four times. Palou, who was part of the MSR team that finished second at Sebring this year, will join forces with Japanese standout Kakunoshin Ohta in the No. 93 Acura ARX-06.
Arrow McLaren's Commitment to Diversity:
In a move that showcases their dedication to diversity and inclusion, Arrow McLaren has announced a multiyear sponsorship of Women in Motorsports North America (WIMNA). This collaboration aims to empower and connect women across the motorsports 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 to foster connections and create opportunities.
And this is the part most people miss... Arrow McLaren Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Lauren Gaudion, will be speaking on a panel entitled "Breaking In: Non-Traditional Pathways into Motorsports." This session promises to shed light on the diverse paths individuals can take to enter and succeed in the world of motorsports.
What's Next in the World of Racing?
Stay tuned as the racing world continues to evolve and surprise us with exciting news and developments. With the Silly Season winding down, there's still plenty of action to come, and we can't wait to see what November brings!
Thought-Provoking Questions:
- Do you think these personnel shifts will impact the performance of the teams involved?
- How do you feel about the increasing focus on diversity and inclusion initiatives in motorsports?
- Are there any other teams or individuals you'd like to see make a splash in the off-season?
Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! We'd love to hear your insights and engage in some friendly racing discussions.
