Brian Barnhart

American motorsports executive
Brian Barnhart (born 1960/1961) is an American motorsports executive. He is the general manager of Arrow McLaren, having been known for his past roles within the IndyCar Series paddock as a chief mechanic, pit crewman, race strategist and team president. Additionally, he has worked in the past for the series as race director, president, and CEO.

Barnhart served as a pit crew member or chief mechanic on IndyCar teams including Patrick Racing, Galles Racing and Team Penske. Teams Barnhart crewed for won two championships and two Indianapolis 500s. In 1990, he suffered minor injuries during a pit fire in Al Unser Jr.'s pit during the Budweiser Grand Prix of Cleveland. In the 1992 Indianapolis 500, Barnhart was the left rear tire changer on the pit crew of Unser's winning car. In 1993, he served as chief mechanic for Al Unser Sr.'s King Racing, Kenny Bernstein owned entry.

For 1994, Barnhart was working for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as director of race operations. Barnhart would hold the position of race director until 2011. From 2005 to 2007, Barnhart was also president and CEO of the series. Terry Angstadt was subsequently hired to fill the role of President of Marketing Operations of the league and Randy Bernard was hired as CEO, leaving Barnhart to focus on operations. During the 2011 season, Barnhart was criticized by fans, drivers, and owners, and especially Miller for inconsistencies in his role as chief race steward. For 2012, Barnhart was repurposed to the role of president of operations and strategy and the next year to vice president of competition.

For 2018, Barnhart became the president of Harding Racing and remained in the position as it became Harding Steinbrenner Racing. He also served as race strategist for driver Colton Herta, helping the young driver win his third career start. For 2021 and 2022, Barnhart took a reduced role within Andretti, solely calling strategy for Andretti drivers James Hinchcliffe ('21) and Alexander Rossi ('22). His move followed that of Rossi's, for whom he would continue to call strategy.

Barnhart is an Indianapolis native. He graduated from the University of Indianapolis with a degree in political science. As of 2000, he was married and has one daughter.