Executive Buck Named Director of INDY NXT by Firestone

Veteran racing industry executive Richard Buck has been named as director of INDY NXT by Firestone, INDYCAR officials announced Dec. 10.

Buck takes over all operations and competition for INDY NXT by Firestone, the developmental series of INDYCAR that prepares drivers, engineers and other team personnel for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Phoenix native Buck assumes his new role after 35 years of motorsports experience, including operations and project management, competition officiating, engineering and race strategy in NASCAR and INDYCAR.

“I am thrilled to return to my racing roots in INDYCAR,” Buck said. “I have always kept my eye on the sport, and the opportunity to be the director of INDY NXT was something I could not pass up. The developmental series is on the rise as it continues to advance talent to the premier open-wheel series in North America.”

Buck most recently served as the president and CEO of motorsports consultant 3194 Motorsports LLC and as the managing director of the NASCAR Cup Series from 2014-2019. Before that, he was the vice president of racing operations in IMSA from 2013-2014 before stints as the managing director for GRAND-AM, NASCAR’s Touring Series and NASCAR’s Racing Development in Canada and Mexico from 2005-2013.

“The competition is fierce, and the future is bright for INDY NXT by Firestone,” INDYCAR President Jay Frye said. “With his vast motorsports experience, Richard is a tremendous fit for the series’ leadership role, and we are excited to welcome him back into the INDYCAR family.”

Introduction to INDYCAR

Buck was originally introduced to INDYCAR in 1979 when he began working with a long list of accomplished drivers while accumulating Indianapolis 500 by Gainbridge wins and INDYCAR SERIES championships: