Barnhart (left) aiming to change his role in IRL

Brian Barnhart, the Indy Racing League President and Chief Operating Officer, is looking for someone to help him manage the now 12 year old series. IRL officials confirmed late Sunday that Barnhart would like to give up his role as the top man in the series, instead preferring to focus himself on the competition side of the IRL.

Barnhart concentrated on the competitive package, including his role as chief steward of the IndyCar Series from 1997 through 2004, before taking on additional duties as League President starting with the 2005 season. Over the past two seasons, Barnhart has apparently found himself growing weary of the business of racing - an area in which the IRL has always lagged since its inception.

“There is no question about Brian Barnhart's ability,” said John Griffin, IRL Vice President for Public Relations. Griffin further explained that Barnhart has been meeting with IRL owner Tony George and they have together worked out a plan for the future of the IRL that will include bringing in someone more adept and trained in sales and marketing.

Griffin said the search for this new series leader is highly pointed towards finding the right person and an announcement could be made any time in the 'next few weeks or few months.'

Rumors have pointed to the IRL attempting to hire away Eddie Gossage from his job as the President of the Texas Motor Speedway, though these have been largely refuted.

Gossage is well known as one of the strongest promoters in the United States racing business, but seeing him take over the lead role with the IRL is believed to be highly unlikely by those in and around the open wheel series.

ORS / CAPSIS International