MEMBERSHIP LOGIN
JOIN PRI
Jay Frye Named New IndyCar President Of Competition & Operations
Image
IndyCar has new leadership.
Jay Frye will move from chief revenue officer for IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his new role as president of competition and operations with the sanctioning body effective November 16.
Frye, 50, an Illinois native, will be responsible for all operations, competition and technical matters for IndyCar. He said the underpinning of his top line goals is simple: "Don't complicate what doesn't need to be complicated."
"Be a sanctioning body that great racers and race teams want to participate in and are proud to be a part of. We are making great progress in that but there's still more work to be done," he said. "Another goal that we'd like to work on is harness the power of the paddock. We have a phenomenal amount of talent, knowledge, experience in the Verizon IndyCar Series paddock. We need to tap into this on a more regular and consistent basis.
"We also need to build consensus with clear and defined goals for the league. We need to create more value for our teams with smart and well-thought cost containment initiatives. There's many different ways to do that without affecting the great racing product. That could be schedule, testing days at the track, league buying power, work with our great partners at Chevy, Honda, Firestone to offer efficiencies to the teams.
"A third top line goal would be Race Control as a whole. Officiating for any league is a challenge. Even with instant replay and challenges that the coaches have, there's still debate on whether the result was conclusive or not. One of the things we want to try to do as a league is minimize the debate. We're going to provide the best possible tools and regular and consistent training to the officials and stewards. We'll create a consistent platform where the infractions have a clear and concise consequence that the competitors understand and are aware of."
Frye will report to Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles, who will set strategy and oversee all aspects of the series. Brian Barnhart remains vice president of competition, Vince Kremer remains vice president of operations, and Will Phillips continues as vice president of technology. They will report to Frye.
Frye takes over for Derrick Walker, who resigned in August. The 16-race Verizon IndyCar Series 2016 season starts March 11-13 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. A first-ever street course race in the heart of Boston, a return to racing at Phoenix International Raceway and Road America, and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race are season highlights.
As CRO since November 2013, Frye led the combined team of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway sponsorship sales, licensing and account services. In 2014, the team secured the series title sponsorship agreement with Verizon, as well as the addition and expansion of several other corporate partners including TAG Heuer and Angie’s List.
Taking over Frye’s vacated position will be Rod Davis, formerly serving in senior executive roles with the Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Gymnastics, RCA Championships and USA Swimming.
Throughout his career Davis has secured nearly $100 million in revenue through sponsorships, broadcast revenue and event fees while working with top global brands such as Panasonic, Coca-Cola, John Hancock, VISA and adidas. After founding Davis Sports Marketing a decade ago, he has represented leading organizations such as the NCAA, University of Notre Dame, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and USA Track & Field.
Jay Frye will move from chief revenue officer for IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway to his new role as president of competition and operations with the sanctioning body effective November 16.
Frye, 50, an Illinois native, will be responsible for all operations, competition and technical matters for IndyCar. He said the underpinning of his top line goals is simple: "Don't complicate what doesn't need to be complicated."
"Be a sanctioning body that great racers and race teams want to participate in and are proud to be a part of. We are making great progress in that but there's still more work to be done," he said. "Another goal that we'd like to work on is harness the power of the paddock. We have a phenomenal amount of talent, knowledge, experience in the Verizon IndyCar Series paddock. We need to tap into this on a more regular and consistent basis.
"We also need to build consensus with clear and defined goals for the league. We need to create more value for our teams with smart and well-thought cost containment initiatives. There's many different ways to do that without affecting the great racing product. That could be schedule, testing days at the track, league buying power, work with our great partners at Chevy, Honda, Firestone to offer efficiencies to the teams.
"A third top line goal would be Race Control as a whole. Officiating for any league is a challenge. Even with instant replay and challenges that the coaches have, there's still debate on whether the result was conclusive or not. One of the things we want to try to do as a league is minimize the debate. We're going to provide the best possible tools and regular and consistent training to the officials and stewards. We'll create a consistent platform where the infractions have a clear and concise consequence that the competitors understand and are aware of."
Frye will report to Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles, who will set strategy and oversee all aspects of the series. Brian Barnhart remains vice president of competition, Vince Kremer remains vice president of operations, and Will Phillips continues as vice president of technology. They will report to Frye.
Frye takes over for Derrick Walker, who resigned in August. The 16-race Verizon IndyCar Series 2016 season starts March 11-13 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. A first-ever street course race in the heart of Boston, a return to racing at Phoenix International Raceway and Road America, and the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race are season highlights.
As CRO since November 2013, Frye led the combined team of IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway sponsorship sales, licensing and account services. In 2014, the team secured the series title sponsorship agreement with Verizon, as well as the addition and expansion of several other corporate partners including TAG Heuer and Angie’s List.
Taking over Frye’s vacated position will be Rod Davis, formerly serving in senior executive roles with the Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Gymnastics, RCA Championships and USA Swimming.
Throughout his career Davis has secured nearly $100 million in revenue through sponsorships, broadcast revenue and event fees while working with top global brands such as Panasonic, Coca-Cola, John Hancock, VISA and adidas. After founding Davis Sports Marketing a decade ago, he has represented leading organizations such as the NCAA, University of Notre Dame, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and USA Track & Field.
