INDIANAPOLIS — John Lewis, who has nearly 15 years of experience with both the Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will expand his current duties to include the league’s marketing initiatives. Lewis has been named vice president, marketing and league development for the Indy Racing League.
Since 2006, Lewis has served as vice president, league development where he served as a liaison to all tracks, was responsible for developing the IndyCar Series and Indy Pro Series schedule, served as an internal liaison between the League’s operations and business affairs units while also responsible for planning and implementation of all operational procedures and the League’s budget.
“We’ve watched John develop from the beginning, starting with facilities work at the (Indianapolis Motor) Speedway right out of college to becoming an effective executive with the Indy Racing League,” said Brian Barnhart, president, competition and operations for the Indy Racing League. “His new role is well-deserved, and I am confident he will continue to do great work for the League and all of its constituents.”
In his expanded role, Lewis will also be responsible for the marketing staff and implementation of the Indy Racing League’s brand positioning and ensure activities within the League support the positioning.
In addition, Lewis will work with League partners to develop customized synergistic promotional programs to leverage the collective assets while providing leadership for department functions including brand marketing, driver marketing, consumer marketing, event marketing, licensing and retail operations.
“John has been a loyal, enthusiastic and integral employee dating back to before the Indy Racing League was even formed,” said Terry Angstadt, president of the sanctioning body’s commercial division. “He brings a passion to the sport, and he wants to see the IndyCar Series grow. We look forward to him enhancing our marketing initiatives.”
Lewis will work with the League’s various departments to develop marketing and strategic initiatives for business development, television production, broadcast relations, public relations and operations groups.
“I am eager for the opportunity to promote the sport to current and potential fans,” Lewis said. “I look forward to working with all of our drivers, teams, tracks and partners to develop marketing strategies and programs that will enhance the value of the League for all of our constituents.”
Lewis joined the Indy Racing League full-time in 2001 as director of operations after serving previously at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in various track management roles.
He graduated from Ball State University in 1994 with a degree in sports administration and a minor in business with a focus on economics.
He and his wife Kristin reside in Indianapolis and are the parents of a daughter, Taylor, and are expecting their second child later this year.
