INDYCAR: Chevy keeps options open for program manager role

Chevrolet hopes to have its new IndyCar program manager identified before the season starts on March 13. Chris Berube (LEFT), who held the role from 2012-'15, and played a key role in the four consecutive Manufacturers' championships earned by the brand, was reassigned to a different post within General Motors in December and his former position has remained open.

According to GM Racing director Mark Kent, another candidate from within the company will continue Berube's work in IndyCar.

"We've used the IndyCar program manager role as one of our vocational assignments," Kent told RACER. "We want to bring in up-and-coming engineers and hone their program management skills and then have them go back to production. With that said, it's in our best interest to try to hire from within the company, obviously. We are in the process of reviewing potential candidates and hope to have Chris's replacement on board here in the not so distant future."

Chevy's IndyCar program manager vacancy has also drawn interest from outside the company, which could have lengthened the timeline for filling the position. It's possible the 2016 season could start without Berube's replacement on the ground in St. Petersburg, but Kent says it isn't a concern.

"Obviously it would be nice to have someone for the first race of the season, but I would rather make sure we spend an adequate amount of time to make sure we identify the right candidate," he added. "It's more of a priority to have the right candidate than to have someone in place for the first race."