For the 1997 season, Barnhart had been hired by the Indy Racing League (IRL, now IndyCar Series) and was serving as its director of operations. In 2000, Barnhart was promoted to VP of operations.
For the 1997 season, Barnhart was employed by the Indy Racing League (IRL, now IndyCar Series) as its director of operations. In 2000, Barnhart was elevated to VP of operations.