Michael Andretti steps down as NASCAR veterans take charge in Andretti Global's leadership shakeup

AUTO: MAR 04 INDYCAR Series Streets of St. Petersburg - Source: Getty
NASCAR veterans replace Michael Andretti at Andretti Global - Source: Getty

Michael Andretti has been replaced at Andretti Global by two veteran NASCAR executives. This announcement comes two months after the IndyCar legend stepped down from his leadership role in his namesake organization.

As per the Associated Press, Doug Duchardt and Jill Gregory will assume leadership positions in Andretti Global. Duchardt was named the chief performance officer of motorsports at TWG Group, the investment group founded by CEO Mark Walter, which oversees all Andretti properties, and Gregory was named chief operating officer of a subsidiary of TWG and president of Andretti Global.

Both bring vast motorsports experience to propel the team to greater heights. Duchardt served as the President of Spire Motorsports since December 2023 after ending a 6-year stint with Chip Ganassi Racing. Before that, his longest employment was with Hendrick Motorsports - a 12-year stint that he ended as their Executive Vice President and General Manager.

Jill Gregory got involved with NASCAR in 2007 as the organization’s executive vice president and chief marketing and content officer. She comes to Andretti Global after managing the Sonoma Raceway as its Executive Vice President and General Manager. For two consecutive years, Adweek recognized her as one of "The Most Powerful Women in Sports".


Michael Andretti's reason for giving up Andretti Global's leadership to Dan Towriss

Michael Andretti at the 2024 Portland E-Prix - Source: Getty
Michael Andretti at the 2024 Portland E-Prix - Source: Getty

Michael Andretti took the helm of Andretti Global in 2002. 22 years after leading the team to IndyCar success and five Indy 500 wins, he suddenly stepped down from being the CEO in September this year. Dan Towriss, who invested in the company in 2022 via his holding company, Group 1001, became the majority owner.

Andretti explained that his shock move had nothing to do with an alleged rift within the team. It was the product of conscious discussions between him and Towriss. He said (via AP News):

"We’ve been working on this for a few months now. For me where I am in my life and what I want to do, the timing was right for me to take a little different role with the team. A role where I don’t have to be on it every day and I can still stay involved because I’ll be involved as an advisor as well as an ambassador. We were able to come to a deal between myself and Dan and I think we are both happy with what we came up with."

He also cited the need for more involvement with his family and grandchildren as one of the reasons behind his decision. Earlier this year, F1 rejected Michael Andretti's bid to enter the pinnacle of motorsport, raising concerns about value addition. However, under Dan Towriss' leadership, F1 accepted the F1 bid for the General Motors-backed Cadillac F1 team.

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Edited by Luke Koshi
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