A new COO for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Brian Barnhart, Joie Chitwood III and Gary Morris each have been promoted to head three operating units of companies owned by the Hulman-George family, said Tony George, president and chief executive officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation and its parent, Hulman & Company.

Barnhart will serve as president and chief operating officer of the Indy Racing League, LLC.

Chitwood will serve as president and chief operating officer of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC.

Morris will serve as president and chief operating officer of Clabber Girl Corporation.

All three appointments, which are new positions, are effective immediately. Barnhart has served as senior vice president of racing operations for the Indy Racing League since September 2002 after two years as vice president of racing operations. He joined the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994, becoming the third track superintendent in the Speedway's history.

For the previous 12 years, Barnhart worked in a variety of positions for Galles Racing, Penske Racing and Patrick Racing, working with legendary drivers A.J. Foyt and Emerson Fittipaldi. Barnhart was also on Al Unser Jr.'s two Indy 500-winning teams.

Barnhart holds a degree in political science from Indiana Central University (now the University of Indianapolis), and resides in Indianapolis with his wife, Cindy, and their two children.

"As president and COO of the Indy Racing League, Brian brings experience and a reputation for solid leadership to his expanded role," George said. "He joined IMS in 1994 and has been a consistent performer. Since 1997, when Leo Mehl (retired IRL executive director) tapped Brian as IRL director of operations, he has continued to grow as an individual, a leader and a motorsports executive.

"Brian's common-sense approach is recognized both inside and outside the company. His loyalty to the Indianapolis 500 and the IRL personally means a great deal to me."

Chitwood joined the staff of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as senior vice president, business affairs, in October 2002. He previously had served as vice president and general manager of Chicagoland Speedway, which is partly owned by IMS. He oversaw the construction of the 1.5-mile oval and negotiated contracts with both the Indy Racing League and NASCAR for successful events there.

He was one of the first employees of the Indy Racing League, which had its inaugural race in 1996 at Orlando, Florida beginning at age 5, he was part of the well-known Chitwood Thrill Show, serving both as a stuntman and later as a precision driver.

Chitwood holds a business administration and finance degree from the University of Florida, studied at Cambridge University and earned a master of business administration degree from the University of South Florida. He and his wife, Susan, live in Carmel, Indiana, with their son.

Chitwood's family association with IMS dates to the late 1930s when his grandfather began competing in the Indianapolis 500.

"That, coupled with the experience he gained working with the IRL from 1995 to 1999 as one of the League's first employees, and as vice president and general manager of the Chicagoland Speedway, gives him a well-rounded appreciation for the challenges and opportunities that go along with promoting three world- class events at the 'Greatest Racecourse in the World,'" George said. "In the two years since rejoining our Indianapolis enterprise, he has worked hard at reconnecting with colleagues and community.

"Joie brings a fresh look at how we need to position ourselves for continued success in a changing world."

Morris has been in the food industry for more than 25 years in sales, marketing and production. He has worked for Canteen Corporation in sales and operations, been a partner in the largest contract food service company in southeast Michigan, owned a food brokerage business and a direct marketing services business before joining Clabber Girl Corporation in 1999.

He grew up in Monrovia, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana State University in 1975 with a bachelor of science degree. Morris and his wife, Sharon, have two daughters and live in Terre Haute, Indiana.

"In the five years that Gary has been with our company, he has demonstrated leadership that has energized Clabber Girl Corporation," George said. "By leveraging the Clabber Girl brand, he has successfully expanded product lines and increased top-line sales while managing expenses. In addition, he has executed the acquisition and integration of Delisheries and Davis Baking Powder.

"Gary's hands-on style has earned him respect as a member of our management team and the confidence required to lead our food service group."

Press release
IMS