Former ChampCar race director Tony Cotman has joined the IRL Indycar Series as their vice-president of competition.

The Kiwi will act as assistant to competition president Brian Barnhart, who is looking forward to seeing him in action in race control this season.

"We're very pleased to have someone of Tony's caliber join our staff," Barnhart said. "Tony has earned the respect of everyone in Indy-car racing by being hard-working, intelligent and fair.

"The addition of Tony enhances our competition and race operations efforts, and he will be working closely with Les Mactaggart, Kevin Blanch, Jeff Horton and I in all aspects of IndyCar Series competition.

Cotman joined ChampCar in 2005 and was instrumental in forcing through their switch

from Lola to Panoz chassis last season.

"I look forward to contributing within the organization as we strive towards a successful future in open-wheel racing," Cotman said. "I believe the knowledge I've acquired, especially over the past three seasons, can be valuable as we build upon the future."

Cotman will be seen in action for the first time at the Homestead test on February 27.

Jamie O'Leary / Eurosport