# **Mark D. Miles Steps Down as CEO of IndyCar Series, Ending a Transformative Era**

# **Mark D. Miles Steps Down as CEO of IndyCar Series, Ending a Transformative Era**

 

**Indianapolis, IN — June 4, 2025**

 

In a move that signals the end of a defining chapter in American motorsport, Mark D. Miles has officially stepped down from his position as CEO of the NTT IndyCar Series and Penske Entertainment Corp. The announcement, made early Wednesday, ends a tenure marked by sweeping modernization efforts, steady leadership through challenging times, and a renewed focus on expanding the global visibility of IndyCar.

 

Miles’ departure comes after more than a decade of influential leadership in the world of motorsports, particularly with IndyCar and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Known for his strategic acumen and deep organizational insight, Miles first took the helm of Hulman & Company—the then-parent of IndyCar and IMS—in December 2012. Following the acquisition of both entities by Roger Penske in 2019, Miles was retained as CEO of Penske Entertainment, continuing to guide the series with a steady hand.

 

## **A Decade of Visionary Leadership**

 

Miles’ time at the top coincided with one of the most pivotal periods in IndyCar’s modern history. When he stepped into the role, the series faced a fragmented identity, lagging TV ratings, and uncertain financial footing. One of his earliest initiatives was a bold restructuring of the race calendar, most notably shifting the series finale to Labor Day weekend. This strategic move was designed to avoid competition with the NFL and college football, allowing IndyCar to maintain a spotlight at a critical point in the season.

 

He also reoriented the scheduling model by abandoning the use of doubleheader races at single venues—a format that was falling out of favor with both fans and teams. Instead, Miles pushed for broader geographic diversity in the schedule, bringing races to urban centers and international cities. His effort to make the series more dynamic included debuting events like the Grand Prix of Indianapolis, held on the IMS road course, and increasing the series’ exposure on prominent broadcast platforms.

 

Miles worked tirelessly to rebuild relationships with sponsors, television networks, and race promoters. Under his leadership, IndyCar inked more consistent broadcast deals, notably with NBC, which helped boost viewership and fan engagement. The digital presence of IndyCar also saw vast improvements, with expanded streaming options, social media outreach, and immersive content that appealed to younger demographics.

 

## **Steering Through the Pandemic**

 

Perhaps Miles’ most demanding challenge came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. With global sports grinding to a halt, he navigated IndyCar through uncertain times by leading a swift pivot to a modified racing calendar that maintained health and safety as a top priority. While some races were canceled or held without fans, Miles ensured that the Indianapolis 500—the crown jewel of the series—was run under strict protocols, preserving the event’s unbroken legacy.

 

Beyond just keeping the series afloat, Miles used the pandemic years to innovate. The creation of the IndyCar iRacing Challenge, featuring real drivers competing virtually, helped fill the gap for fans and kept engagement levels high.

 

## **A Legacy Sealed by Strategic Transition**

 

In recent months, speculation had grown regarding a shift in leadership at IndyCar. That speculation turned to confirmation earlier this year when Doug Boles, President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway since 2013, was appointed as the new President of IndyCar. Boles is set to carry dual roles, remaining at the helm of IMS while taking over day-to-day operations of the racing series. His appointment was widely seen as a continuation of Miles’ vision, with an emphasis on brand consistency and operational integration.

 

“Doug is the ideal choice to lead both IndyCar and IMS as we enter a new era of opportunity and visibility,” Miles said in a February press statement. “His deep understanding of the sport, its history, and its fans will serve the organization well as it moves forward.”

 

The executive restructuring didn’t stop with Boles. Mark Sibla was promoted to Senior Vice President of IndyCar Competition & Operations, while Kyle Novak was elevated to Vice President of Officiating and Race Control. Additionally, Louis Kissinger was named General Manager of IMS Operations. These moves reflect a commitment to continuity and a broader effort to align the long-term strategy of both IndyCar and the Speedway under one coherent vision.

 

## **What Comes Next for IndyCar?**

 

As IndyCar turns the page, the series is poised to build on the foundation that Miles laid over the past decade. The 2025 season is already generating buzz, with the opening race, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, scheduled for March 2. Key priorities for the incoming leadership include expanding the calendar to include international venues, improving the competitiveness of the racing product, and deepening fan engagement through emerging technologies and media.

 

Another area of focus will be sustainability and technological innovation. With electric and hybrid technologies becoming increasingly relevant in global motorsport, IndyCar is expected to make a concerted push toward eco-conscious racing solutions, potentially integrating hybrid powertrains in the near future.

 

The series also continues to court new sponsors and fanbases, both in North America and abroad. Miles’ groundwork in international marketing and digital transformation will be crucial assets as the next generation of IndyCar executives chart a new course.

 

## **End of an Era**

 

Mark D. Miles leaves behind a legacy that few sports executives can match. While not without critics or challenges, his tenure is largely seen as a turning point for IndyCar—a time when the series rediscovered its competitive identity, reconnected with fans, and stabilized financially.

 

Miles has not yet announced his future plans, though many in the industry speculate that his vast experience and leadership qualities will make him a sought-after figure across the sports and entertainment sectors.

 

As IndyCar continues to evolve in an increasingly competitive motorsports landscape, the foundation laid by Mark D. Miles will serve as a critical touchstone. His legacy will be visible not just in the grandstands of Indianapolis or on the streets of Long Beach, but in the very DNA of a series he helped transform.

 

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