IndyCar president Jay Frye sends clear message on Indy NXT’s future with appointment of seasoned motorsport veteran

Indy NXT by Firestone, the highest level of IndyCar's ladder series, has undergone a pivotal change. On December 10, renowned motorsport executive Richard Buck was announced as the new Director of the series.

Buck will replace ex-director Levi Jones to take complete control of Indy NXT's operations. The industry veteran shared a passionate message about his return to American open-wheel racing after his last IndyCar stint with Precision Preparation Inc. (PPI) that ended in 2000. Buck said (via IndyCar):

"I am thrilled to return to my racing roots in INDYCAR. 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."

As per RACER, Richard Buck's first day on the job will be January 6, 2025. IndyCar President Jay Frye also made a promising assessment of the future, with the Indy NXT gaining an exceptional and experienced leader. He said:

"The competition is fierce, and the future is bright for INDY NXT by Firestone. 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."

Buck's first brush with IndyCar came in 1979, and his first prominent professional role was with Provimi Racing from 1982 to 1984, after which he served Alex Food Racing for 1 year. His longest stint was with Penske Racing - from 1985 to 1996 when he worked with the likes of Emerson Fittipaldi, Rick Mears, Al Unser and others.

Buck rung in the new millennium by transitioning to NASCAR after 2000. From 2005 to 2019, he was the Managing Director/Vice President of Racing Operations for the NASCAR - IMSA Sanctioning Body.

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Why ex-director Levi Jones left the Indy NXT after three successful years

Levi Jones was appointed as the Indy NXT's Director in October 2021. Under his leadership, the series took significant strides in integration with IndyCar, and the car count rose as well.

Before that, he ran the circle track division at the United States Auto Club (USAC). Jones landed that leadership role on the back of his hyper-successful USAC racing career, where he won five Sprint Car championships - 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

He stepped down from his Indy NXT role in September this year to serve as the general manager of the Eldora Speedway, owned by 3x NASCAR Cup Series Champ Tony Stewart, whose team Jones drove for between 2006 and 2013 in USAC.

After his appointment by Stewart, Jones said (via Forbes):

“Being general manager of Eldora Speedway is a huge opportunity and I’m grateful for it. I know I have big shoes to fill from all that Jerry Gappens and his predecessors accomplished, but I’m ready for this moment. I know Eldora’s history and what it means to fans and everyone who comes through its pit gate, whether they’re a driver or a crew member. We are passionate that Eldora remains the preeminent dirt track in the world, and that’s my aim as general manager."

Back in January 2024, Jones envisioned an Indy NXT where the young drivers could get a taste of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's oval circuit so that the transition to IndyCar becomes smoother when the promoted drivers have to compete in the prestigious Indy 500. That responsibility now lies on Richard Buck's shoulders.