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NorthernLight IRL: Barnhardt pomoted to Indy Racing League vice president

22 August 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- Brian Barnhart has been promoted to Vice President, Operations of the Indy Racing League effective immediately, announced Tony George, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and founder of the Indy Racing League.

"Since its inception, the Indy Racing League has created the best on-track competition in all of motorsports," George said. "Some of the best compliments we receive as a sanctioning body come from competitors pleased with the high level of professional officiating at our events. I directly attribute those compliments to the dedication and hard work of Brian and the staff that he so capably leads."

Barnhart has been the Indy Racing Leagues director of operations since March 1997. In that capacity, he oversaw all competition logistics, including event schedules, racetrack facility requirements, garage area logistics and track and safety crews.

In addition to those responsibilities, Barnhart will now work more closely with George in the day-to-day overall operation of the Indy Racing League. Those duties will include increased communication with track operators and series planning.

Before joining the Indy Racing League, Barnhart was the track superintendent of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Barnhart also has more than 12 years of experience working for several top-level Indy-style race teams as a pit crew member and lead mechanic. He was a member of two championship teams and two Indianapolis 500-winning teams.

Barnhart is a native of Indianapolis and a graduate of Indiana Central (now University of Indianapolis) with a degree in political science. He is married and has one daughter.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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