Max Papis Concludes Tenure as IndyCar Chief Steward
The veteran racing official ends his 11-year run as the organization sets its leadership path for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Motorsports
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Max Papis has concluded his 11-year tenure as the chief steward of IndyCar following the completion of the 2026 season. The 57-year-old former driver announced his departure from the officiating role via social media.
Why it matters
The change marks a significant leadership transition for IndyCar race control as the organization prepares for the upcoming competitive year. By locking in its officiating board and leadership team for 2027, the series aims to maintain stability in its technical and regulatory oversight.
Max Papis served as IndyCar chief steward for 11 years and is 57 years old. The former driver also recorded 7 Formula 1 starts during his professional racing career in 1995.
The players
Max Papis
He is a 57-year-old former professional driver who spent over a decade as an IndyCar official.
Scot Elkins
He serves as the Managing Director of Officiating for IndyCar and will oversee race control in 2027.
Ray Evernham
He is a member of the IndyCar Independent Officiating Board who will serve through the 2027 season.
Raj Nair
He is a member of the IndyCar Independent Officiating Board who will serve through the 2027 season.
Ronan Morgan
He is a member of the IndyCar Independent Officiating Board who will serve through the 2027 season.
The details
IndyCar has confirmed that Scot Elkins will remain as Managing Director of Officiating for the 2027 season to oversee race control and technical inspections. Additionally, the series extended the terms of Independent Officiating Board members Ray Evernham, Raj Nair, and Ronan Morgan through the 2027 campaign.
Timeline
Max Papis made seven Formula 1 starts in 1995.
Max Papis completed his final year as chief steward in 2026.
The new term for IOB members and Scot Elkins begins in 2027.
Season Trajectory
The renewal of terms for the Independent Officiating Board reflects a push for continuity within IndyCar governance. This stability helps define the regulatory environment for the 2027 season as the series seeks to maintain consistency in its technical and officiating standards.
The retention of Scot Elkins ensures that current technical inspection protocols and race control procedures will remain in place for the upcoming season. Fans and teams can expect consistent officiating standards as the series moves into 2027 without a total overhaul of its management team.
The takeaway
Leadership changes in racing officiating often signal shifts in how race control manages on-track conduct and technical compliance. Teams and observers should monitor the appointment of the next chief steward to understand potential changes to race-day enforcement styles.
Further reading
For more on the latest changes in racing governance, visit the Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Motorsport.
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