NASCAR Driver Advisory Council reorganized for 2026 season

Longtime NASCAR executive, and formerly Daytona International Speedway president, Chip Wile is taking over as Drivers’ Advisory Council executive director.

Wile assumes the position previously held by Cup Series veteran Jeff Burton, who is remaining with the group as an advisor.  From the press release announcing the organizational structure for 2026, ‘the move is part of a broader effort to enhance alignment between drivers, NASCAR governance, and racing teams during a major rules cycle.’

The rules cycle includes a horsepower increase and various safety related initiatives as detailed in the announcement release:

“Driving the renewed focus are initiatives intended to ensure open communication between racing’s on-track talent and the sanctioning body. These efforts carry added importance amid ongoing legal and regulatory developments, including the recently resurfaced lawsuit involving several charter holders. During these disputes, the council played a crucial role in advocating for cooperation and transparency.”

The current group includes William Byron, Chase Briscoe, Joey Logano, Michael McDowell, Kurt Busch, Kyle Petty, and former Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis. This group works alongside NASCAR and the Race Team Alliance to address ‘safety protocols, advancing feedback on competitive systems, and tackling day-to-day operational issues.’