Competition and race engineering VP Pappas leaves IndyCar

Bill Pappas, IndyCar’s longstanding VP of competition and race engineering, has left the series. No reason was given for the split.

The veteran race engineer joined IndyCar’s engineering department after working with some of the best open-wheel teams in CART and the unified IndyCar Series, which blended Champ Car and the Indy Racing League under one roof.

Pappas moved into the new series-based role in 2016 to replace the outgoing Will Phillips and has served as one of IndyCar’s technical leaders alongside former race engineer and chassis designer Tino Belli, who oversees aerodynamics, Darren Sansum, who heads IndyCar’s powertrain regulations, and Kevin ‘Rocket’ Blanch, whose role as technical director covers all aspects of vehicle specification, safety, and compliance.

During his time at IndyCar, Pappas was part of several significant engineering programs, including the creation of the UAK18 (universal aero kit 18) bodywork, the aeroscreen driver safety device, and the recent move to hybridization which involved an array of component changes to the drivetrain. He was also centrally involved in determining the technical packages used on ovals – in concert with Belli and the rest of the team – where the best balance of downforce, drag, power, and mechanical grip is customized per venue.

RACER understands the series will look to replace Pappas and add more staff to the department as it ramps up to introduce a new chassis and engine package in 2028.