By Amy Konrath
INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012) – INDYCAR announced today that Beaux Barfield has accepted the position of Race Director for the IZOD IndyCar Series. He will begin his duties immediately.
Barfield, a native of Houston, has served as race director of the American Le Mans Series since August 2008. He previously worked as a Champ Car race steward (2003-2008) during which he served as Race Director of the Champ Car-sanctioned Atlantic and Trans Am series. Barfield was also chief steward for the USF2000 National Championship from 2001-2003.
“Though Beaux’s most recent experience is in sports car racing, his roots are in open-wheel racing,” said INDYCAR CEO Randy Bernard. “He has built a strong reputation as a race director with ALMS and bringing him on board ensures that INDYCAR has a dedicated Race Director with the right level of expertise for the IZOD IndyCar Series.”
As Race Director, Barfield will be the IZOD IndyCar Series’ chief competition official, overseeing on-track race decisions and enforcing rules and procedural issues.
“I grew up around racing, so I’ve been involved in it all my life,” Barfield said. “The one thing that I wanted to do as a racing driver growing up in America was to be involved with the Indy 500. When my driving career took a change of course and I found myself officiating, it was still a goal of mine to get to Indy car racing and the Indy 500. In that regard, it represents the pinnacle of my aspirations as a race official. I’m truly honored to be a part of INDYCAR.”
In addition to officiating experience, Barfield has experience as a driver competing in karting, Formula Ford 2000 and Indy Lights. He also served as lead instructor from 1992-2007 for what became the Panoz Racing School at Road Atlanta.