A seasoned executive, Kirk Dooley, has been appointed as the director of INDY NXT, a key developmental series for INDYCAR. With a robust background in motorsport management and operations, Dooley is set to oversee all aspects of INDY NXT's competitive landscape and operational framework. His extensive experience includes roles at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Skip Barber Racing School, and his recent venture Torque Lab, LLC. The new position comes at a pivotal time for INDY NXT, which enjoys increased visibility through partnerships with FOX Sports.

Dooley’s return to INDYCAR brings a wealth of expertise that spans event coordination, financial strategy, technical regulation development, and talent nurturing. His tenure promises to enhance INDY NXT's relevance as a stepping stone to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles expressed confidence in Dooley's ability to elevate the series, leveraging his diverse experience across various motorsport domains.

Dooley's Strategic Vision for INDY NXT

Kirk Dooley's appointment signifies a strategic move by INDYCAR to strengthen its developmental program. As director, Dooley will focus on enhancing INDY NXT's role in preparing drivers, engineers, and support staff for higher-level competitions. The series benefits from a growing interest among participants and an expanded media platform, offering greater exposure and opportunities for advancement.

With a career spanning over two decades in the Marine Corps and extensive involvement in motorsport operations, Dooley brings a unique blend of leadership and technical acumen. His previous responsibilities included coordinating major events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and managing business expansions at the Skip Barber Racing School. These experiences underscore his capability to drive growth within INDY NXT. Dooley envisions utilizing the series' heightened profile through FOX Sports to attract more talent and foster their progression towards professional racing circuits.

Industry Expertise Driving INDY NXT Forward

J. Douglas Boles, INDYCAR President, highlighted Dooley's potential to significantly impact INDY NXT by Firestone. Recognized for cultivating talent at Skip Barber Racing School and contributing to INDYCAR and IMS, Dooley's skills are seen as crucial assets for advancing the series. This forward momentum aims to solidify INDY NXT's status as a premier training ground for future NTT INDYCAR SERIES contenders.

Dooley's journey back to INDYCAR reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of racing professionals. His comprehensive understanding of both military precision and motorsport intricacies positions him uniquely to address the needs of INDY NXT. By integrating innovative approaches learned from varied roles, Dooley plans to optimize the series' structure, ensuring it remains a vital link in the racing ecosystem. His efforts will focus on amplifying the series' appeal while maintaining high standards of competition and preparation for aspiring racers and teams alike.