As Preparations for 2023 Continue, Arrow McLaren SP has finalized its roster in a three-car lineup along with new team management.
It was a big day for McLaren’s IndyCar operation!
Their 2023 quest to overtake Team Penske is now shaping up.
Following the sudden resignation of Taylor Kiel as Team President, it caught the open-wheel world by surprise. As Arrow McLaren SP are slated to become top contenders for both the Borg-Warner Trophy and the Astor Cup in 2023, where did this development leave them in their quest for racing greatness?
The world received that answer this morning in Indianapolis.
McLaren Racing revealed AMSP’s 2023 roster of athletes and team management.
It all began with the announcement of the team’s new race director, Gavin Ward. In a career that began as an intern in the research and development department of what is known today as Red Bull Racing, Ward would go on to serve multiple roles within the organization. Roles that elevated Red Bull from moderate success to a powerhouse franchise. He made the transition to IndyCar in 2018, where he served as Team Penske’s race engineer before joining AMSP this past January.
As the racing director, Ward will oversee the technical performance team of Arrow McLaren SP. The team will include AMSP’s Director of Operations, Max Neyron, Nick Snyder, the Director of Performance, and Billy Vincent, the Director of Competition.
Team leadership is announced as we look toward 2023. 👀
Gavin Ward to lead AMSP competition and operations as Racing Director with Max Neyron, Nick Snyder & Billy Vincent, and Brian Barnhart hired as General Manager.
Learn more 👇
— Arrow McLaren IndyCar Team (@ArrowMcLaren) October 4, 2022
Said Ward on becoming the new race director:
“I’m honored to step into this role and work alongside the other leaders to continue elevating Arrow McLaren SP and our competitiveness on the track. Max, Nick, Billy and I have worked really well together this past season, so we already have established an impressive baseline that will lead to a smooth start for 2023. I’m really excited to see what the team will do and welcome Brian (Barnhart) to the team as well.”
After the hiring announcement of Brian Barnhart upon Taylor Kiel’s exit, in addition to remaining as race strategist for Alexander Rossi, it is now known Barnhart will serve as AMSP’s new General Manager.
Said Barnhart of the opportunity:
“I’m excited to join McLaren Racing as General Manager for Arrow McLaren SP. The team has made incredible strides in challenging the top teams for the championship over the past two seasons. AMSP is full of talent, from their drivers to the mechanics and every position in between, and I’m honored to join them.”
Arrow McLaren SP’s 2023 Driver Lineup was also revealed.
- Patricio O’Ward (Monterrey, Mexico) – #5 Chevrolet Dallara IR18
- Felix Rosenqvist (Värnamo, Sweeden) – #6 Chevrolet Dallara IR18
- Alexander Rossi (Nevada City, California) – #7 Chevrolet Dallara IR18
While the race strategist for O’Ward will be announced at a later date, Billy Vincent will follow Rosenqvist to the #6 while Barnhart will remain with Rossi as was his position at Andretti Autosport.
On paper, this appears to be the biggest threat to Team Penske in the 2023 NTT IndyCar Series season. The expansion to three cars further provides a showcase as to why McLaren Racing will always be a powerhouse synonymous with racing.
As team CEO Zak Brown said about AMSP’s leadership:
“This leadership team has decades of racing success, with each bringing their own expertise to the group which will be a differentiator for the team as we grow to a three-car lineup in 2023 and continue to build on our heritage in the sport. Gavin has made a solid impact in the few short months he’s been with the team, and we welcome Brian and the years of INDYCAR experience he brings to the team.”
