Rollie Miller Steps Up as New General Manager at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park
In the world of motorsports, some names resonate with a deep love for the craft, a history etched onto the asphalt and dirt. Rollie Miller is one of those names. The NHRA has just made a move that feels like a homecoming, appointing the long-time industry veteran as the new general manager for the legendary Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park. For anyone who’s been around the drag strip, this feels right. Miller isn’t just the new guy in the office, but a guy who has lived and breathed the sport from the ground up.
A Perfect Leader for Iconic IRP
Miller, in his new role, which officially began on November 17, is at the helm of one of the most iconic venues in drag racing. This isn’t just any track, it’s IRP, the hallowed ground that hosts the prestigious Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, a NASCAR Truck Series race, and the high-octane spectacle of Formula Drift. It’s a place with a soul, and now it has a leader who understands it.
A Career Forged in Drag Racing
Rollie Miller’s journey back to an NHRA leadership position is a story of dedication. Many will remember him from his days with the Simpson NHRA Safety Safari, where he spent nearly a decade from 2005 to 2013.
Being part of the Safety Safari is a testament to a person’s commitment. It’s tough, demanding work that is absolutely critical to the sport. It’s where you learn the nuts and bolts of what makes a race weekend tick, from safety protocols to the rhythm of the track itself.
After his time with the Safari, Miller transitioned to ProMedia, where he directed national events for the NMRA and NMCA series for over 10 years. Managing a dozen or more national events each season, he honed his skills in operations and leadership, proving he could handle the immense pressure of orchestrating large-scale motorsports events.
Most recently, he served as a senior event manager at FM3 Performance Marketing before accepting this new challenge at IRP. It’s a move that brings him full circle, back to a facility steeped in the rich history of the sport he loves.
A Vision for the Future of a Historic Track
The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for IRP. The facility is in the midst of a significant, multi-year improvement plan. Fans have already seen the impressive new Wally Parks Tower and renovated suites, which have modernized the viewing experience. But the work is far from over.
The next phase focuses on crucial drainage upgrades, a practical but essential improvement that will streamline parking and make getting into the track a smoother experience for every fan. Tim Erdmann, NHRA’s Vice President of Finance, couldn’t have put it better.
“Rollie has displayed a longtime commitment to drag racing and has showcased proven leadership in the sport, making him an ideal fit to lead Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park,” Erdmann commented.
“He has a strong understanding of our operations and a great passion for NHRA drag racing, and with his guidance, we’re confident IRP will continue to grow and uphold its legacy as one of the premier facilities in motorsports.”
Final Thoughts
For Miller himself, this isn’t just a job, but a great honor. You can hear the genuine excitement in his words. “I am extremely thrilled to step into this role of general manager at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park,” he said. “This is a historic facility that continues to thrive and grow, and it’s an honor to be part of the exciting future here.”
His focus is clear: to build on the track’s incredible success by working closely with everyone who makes it special, the race teams, the loyal fans, and the dedicated track partners. His goal is to ensure IRP remains a true centerpiece in the motorsports world, a place where history is made and memories are forged. It’s a big task, but with his background and passion, Rollie Miller is more than ready for the challenge.
