Veteran technical director of IndyCar Officiating Kevin Blanch is retiring from the series with immediate effect.
Blanch, who is known as ‘Rocket’ around the paddock, has been in an officiating role with IndyCar for over two decades.
He started as a crew chief with Panther Racing and then worked on behalf of the series starting in 2003. He has overseen the technical inspection process and ensured compliance with safety and sporting regulations on the cars since then.
“I have been contemplating retirement from the IndyCar technical side for a while,” Blanch said in the announcement.
“Last winter when IndyCar Officiating was formed, I was asked to continue in my role with an emphasis on completing a very hectic Month of May and the Indianapolis 500 and am glad I did.
“After adding it up, I have been a part of IndyCar for 36 years and have been involved in 555 straight races. I have simply poured my heart and soul into the sport I love and am very proud of the team I have worked alongside for over two decades.
“This is a very difficult decision, but I feel like now is the right time to take a step back.”
Blanch was well known and well respected throughout the IndyCar paddock, even as he at times had to make decisions that adversely affected teams when they fell afoul of the regulations.
He also organized an annual mechanic’s party in recent Indy 500 events, with crew members from the entire paddock entered into a drawing to be awarded valuable tools and other gifts donated by suppliers and partners of IndyCar.
In his place, Nick Allen will take over technical director duties. Allen joined IndyCar’s officiating team in January following 20 years of experience in the IndyCar paddock as a team mechanic.
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