Jay Frye has landed his dream job as he moves over from his role as Chief Revenue Officer of Hulman Motorsports to become INDYCAR President of Competition and Operations.
Frye, who formerly ran several NASCAR Sprint Cup teams before joining the parent company of INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2014, takes over the position previously held by Derrick Walker.
Walker’s resignation as INDYCAR President of Competition was announced in early August and became effective on Aug. 30.
Hulman & Company CEO Mark Miles announced Frye’s new role Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis.
“Jay Frye’s resume is perfectly aligned with our organization’s strategic vision,” Miles said. “He has both series and team experience, having successfully transformed and led Red Bull Racing and MB2 Motorsports before joining Hulman Motorsports. As our new President of Competition and Operations, he is ready to ensure the Verizon IndyCar Series continues to present great racing.”
In his new role, Frye will be responsible for all operations, competition and technical matters for INDYCAR. He will report to Miles who, as CEO of the parent company of INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will set strategy and oversee all aspects of the series.
Frye first arrived at Hulman Motorsports after revamping Red Bull Racing into a competitive team that earned a berth in the 2009 NASCAR Chase. He also built MB2 Motorsports from the ground up beginning with just 10 employees and ultimately reaching 200. He won four NASCAR Cup races as a team manager.
Two longtime Verizon IndyCar Series and NASCAR team owners know all too well how difficult it is to compete against Frye and heaped praise upon today’s announcement.
“Jay Frye’s vast understanding of our industry’s entire field of play, developed most especially through his strong work in NASCAR, makes him uniquely prepared for this new opportunity,” said Roger Penske, owner of Penske Racing. “He understands our technical and competition issues and he will develop solutions that work for fans, teams and the series. As the new President of Competition and Operations, he is prepared to ensure INDYCAR’s positive momentum keeps moving forward.”
Both Penske and Chip Ganassi were strong supporters of Frye for this position when Walker left the company on Aug. 30.
“Jay Frye brings an exceptional resume, tireless work ethic and proven ability to produce results to his new role with INDYCAR,” said Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “During our years competing against each other in NASCAR, I witnessed firsthand Jay’s ability to successfully run a top-notch organization. He’s a proven leader and as a team owner I am excited to work with him as we embark upon a truly monumental season.”
Taking over Frye’s vacated position will be Rod Davis, formerly serving in senior executive roles with the Indiana Sports Corporation, USA Gymnastics, RCA Championships and USA Swimming. Throughout his career, Davis has secured nearly $100 million in revenue through sponsorships, broadcast revenue and event fees while working with top global brands such as Panasonic, Coca-Cola, John Hancock, VISA and Adidas.
After founding Davis Sports Marketing a decade ago, he has represented leading organizations such as the NCAA, University of Notre Dame, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and USA Track & Field.
“As our new Chief Revenue Officer, Rod Davis will successfully execute sponsorship deals already in the pipeline and find new partnerships to increase revenue and market share,” said Miles. “His proven ability to build mutually beneficial relationships with leading Fortune 500 companies will pay dividends for both IMS and the Verizon IndyCar Series.”
Davis’s expertise is well known throughout amateur and collegiate sports.
“Hulman Motorsports has hired one of the most creative minds and effective fundraisers and marketers in the sports industry,” said University of Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick. “Rod’s track record with a host of major sports properties over many years suggests that he will have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the future of both IMS and INDYCAR.”
"Rod Davis is a proven leader in sales and sponsor relations who understands the sports business and knows how to effectively build partnerships between sports properties and private sector companies," added USA Swimming Executive Director Chuck Wielgus.
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