Kanaan Named Sporting Director at Arrow McLaren
The Arrow McLaren and Juncos Hollinger Racing teams announced changes in their respective management structures for their NTT INDYCAR SERIES teams.
Gavin Ward’s title with Arrow McLaren is changing from racing director to team principal, while Tony Kanaan’s title will be sporting director after he joined the team as a special advisor in June when his NTT INDYCAR SERIES driving career ended with the 107th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge in May.
At JHR, David P. Morgan was named as team manager.
Ward’s title change reflects his overarching responsibility for the Arrow McLaren team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Ward reports directly to McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown. Brian Barnhart, who joined the team last year, will continue as general manager and report to Ward while overseeing the business operations and administration of the team, including strategic partnerships and special projects.
The 2024 season will mark Ward’s second year of leadership of the Arrow McLaren team.
“Last year at this time, the team went through significant changes and growth, and we had to move fast to recruit and stay ahead of preparation for the upcoming season,” Ward said. “We’ve used the last several months as an opportunity to observe our ways of working – where we’re strong and where we need to be better. I’m excited for these changes. This team has great characters and a ton of talent, and this is all about leaning into people’s strengths and allowing the team to run fast and effectively.”
2004 INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2013 Indianapolis 500 winner Kanaan worked with the team since June on race weekends, but he will have a more present role in his new position. He will work closely with drivers Pato O’Ward, Alexander Rossi and David Malukas, and build and strengthen partner relationships.
“My role as special advisor was really an opportunity for me to test the waters of being on the other side of a team, as a leader and no longer a driver,” Kanaan said. “I was able to observe how the team is run, make suggestions on where we can improve and help out with the commercial side of the team.
“I found out pretty quickly that this side isn’t too bad. I really like it, actually, and thought I have more to contribute in the day to day, outside of just race weekends. I’m looking forward to this new role where I will be more engrained with the team, having unique experience to contribute and make Arrow McLaren even better.”
With a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Morgan brings a wealth of experience and expertise to JHR. He has served in virtually every role associated with team operations within the NTT INDYCAR SERIES paddock.
“This was a serious deliberation that ended in David's selection,” team co-owner Ricardo Juncos said. “It boiled down to his awareness and understanding of today's working environment, along with his passion to take this team to the next level.”
Said Morgan: “I can't thank Ricardo and Brad (Hollinger) enough for their faith in me. I am humbled and chomping at the bit to get started on our offseason projects. Also, let me say a big thank you to my predecessor, Vince Kremer, for a job well done. Vince certainly left a solid foundation for me to build on.”