In a surprising development out of Indianapolis, Arrow McLaren SP’s IndyCar operation suddenly finds themselves without Team President Taylor Kiel.
At Last Word on Sports, we were reviewing the record-setting calendar for the 2023 Formula 1 season when we received breaking news from the IndyCar Series.
Taylor Kiel, Team President for Arrow McLaren SP was stepping down.
It’s been an honor to work for Arrow McLaren SP for more than a decade. As I step away, I am most proud of growing this team into a powerhouse able to fight for championships and wins each week. I now look forward to spending time with my own growing family and whatever’s next! pic.twitter.com/CeJAsCY0Mo
— Taylor Kiel (@taylorkiel) September 20, 2022
In addition, the only other information that was obtained was through McLaren’s press release, stating:
“ARROW MCLAREN SP Team President Taylor Kiel Resigns
Kiel steps down after two seasons with the team
Effective Tuesday, September 20, Taylor Kiel is stepping down as ARROW McLaren SP President after two seasons. As the team grows to three cars for the 2023 NTT Data IndyCar Series Season, announcements on team management will be made in due course.”
Before rising through the ranks of what is known today as Arrow McLaren SP, Kiel began his IndyCar career with Sam Schmidt Motorsports and their Indy Lights operation. Over time, Kiel learned everything there was to know about the ins and outs of running an IndyCar team. From fixing gearboxes and installing engines, to constructing parts for two consecutive Indy Lights championship-winning runs (Jean-Karl Vernay and Josef Newgarden) before moving to the IndyCar Series for 2012.
Upon promotion to Team President, Kiel assisted in providing the team with their best effort since Simon Pagenaud‘s placement of 5th in the 2014 campaign. As race strategist for Pato O’Ward, he led the Mexican to four victories and championship contention in each of the past three seasons, with a highest placement of third in the 2020 campaign.
This development comes at a time when Arow McLaren SP is poised to give Team Penske a run for the Astor Cup in 2023. From the expansion to a three-car operation, to the signing of Alexander Rossi and the contract extensions of both O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist, where does McLaren go from here?
There is no question that the franchise will continue to remain a powerhouse in the world of motorsports, but will they be able to achieve their dream of capturing two of the biggest prizes in all of racing, the Borg-Warner Trophy and the Astor Cup?
Featured Image Credit: Joe Skibinski/Penske Entertainment
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