Brian Barnhart, a longtime fixture in the open-wheel racing scene in Indianapolis, has been promoted to vice president of operations for the Indy Racing Northern Light Series effective immediately.
Barnhart’s relationship with IRNLS founder Tony George and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pre-dates the split between the IRL and the CART FedEx Championship Series. But it’s Barnhart’s contribution to the IRNLS’ slow but steady progress that earned him his new title.
"Since its inception, the Indy Racing League has created the best on-track competition in all of motorsports," George said. "Some of the best compliments we receive as a sanctioning body come from competitors pleased with the high level of professional officiating at our events. I directly attribute those compliments to the dedication and hard work of Brian and the staff that he so capably leads."
An Indianapolis native, Barnhart has been the IRNLS’s director of operations since March 1997. In that capacity, he oversaw all competition logistics, including event schedules, racetrack facility requirements, garage area logistics and track and safety crews.
In addition to those responsibilities, Barnhart will now work more closely with George in the day-to-day operation of the IRNLS. Those duties will include increased communication with track operators and series planning.
Before joining the IRNLS, Barnhart was IMS’ track superintendent, becoming only the third person to hold that title since 1945. Barnhart also has more than 12 years of experience working for several top-level Indy-style race teams as a pit crew member and lead mechanic, including stints with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser Jr. and Emerson Fittipaldi. He was a member of two championship teams and two Indianapolis 500-winning teams -- both with Unser.
Barnhart is a graduate of Indiana Central (now University of Indianapolis) with a degree in political science. He is married and has one daughter.
