Arrow McLaren’s IndyCar operation has seen major changes off the track with the departure of two key figures—Brian Barnhart and Kyle Sagan—who have both signed on with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. This duo’s move is being hailed as a strategic boost for RLL, which is looking to deepen its competitive edge in the IndyCar series.
Brian Barnhart, who once served as an IndyCar executive under Jay Frye and later led operations at Harding Racing, Andretti Global, and most recently Arrow McLaren as general manager, is stepping into a dual role at RLL. Barnhart reunites with Frye and will serve as RLL’s Senior Vice President of Operations, taking on responsibilities that include managing race strategy for driver Graham Rahal in car No. 15. His return to RLL reconnects him with familiar leadership and signals a commitment to pushing the team’s performance forward.
Kyle Sagan, originally recruited by Arrow McLaren in 2024 to improve pit stop efficiency, will join RLL as the team’s Pit Stop Manager. Known for significantly advancing Arrow McLaren’s pit stop times, Sagan’s expertise is expected to elevate RLL’s operational execution during races, a vital factor in close competitions.
RLL continues to build its team around returning veteran Graham Rahal and new talent like Rookie of the Year Louis Foster. The team also recently tested former Formula 1 driver Mick Schumacher in an effort to upgrade its third entry, which has struggled since its 2022 inception.
These strategic hirings and developments reflect RLL’s ambition to reclaim prominence and battle for top spots in IndyCar’s fiercely competitive landscape. With Barnhart’s operational expertise and Sagan’s pit crew leadership, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing appears poised for a revitalized campaign.
The shifting personnel underscore the dynamic nature of IndyCar's team management landscape, where experience, proven skill, and strategic alliances are key to unlocking championship potential. For Arrow McLaren, losing two pivotal team members marks a challenge ahead, but it also opens the door for fresh faces and ideas as the team gears up for the 2026 season.
