The NTT IndyCar Series will have a new director of medical services next year, as Dr. Geoffrey Billows will retire at the end of this season.
Dr. Billows began working at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1993, volunteering his time in the infield care center during events at the track.
He advanced up to the IMS director of medical services in 2006, and assumed the role of IndyCar’s medical director in 2016.
Over the past two years, the ageing doctor has been treated for parotid salivary cancer, and has had to take a short leave of absence this spring related to his treatment.
“It’s no secret that the last 20 months have been quite challenging for me,” Billows said. “After a lot of consideration and discussion with my wife, I have decided to retire at the end of this season.
“This is something I plan to battle and live for many years, and I thought, ‘I should enjoy whatever time I have left.’ But I’m staying on so I can help part time because I enjoy it so much.
“The opportunity to work with IndyCar and IMS has been an opportunity of a lifetime. It’s been a career unlike none other. I think it’s quite rewarding.
“It not only gives me a chance to help take care of the drivers but to also have the chance to promote safety in the motorsports industry.”
When Dr. Billows leaves, his current assistant director Dr. Julia Vaizer will step into the top medical director role. She will become the first female medical chief in the history of the series.
Dr. Vaizar completed a university-based motorsports medicine fellowship in 2021, and has worked with Dr. Billows throughout the duration of this season.
“There aren’t enough words to express our full sense of gratitude and respect for Dr. Billows and his service to our racing community,” said IMS President Doug Boles.
“We’re so appreciative of his contributions and so glad we’ll still see him at the IU Health Infield Care Center during the Month of May and more. We also know Dr. Vaizer is extremely well prepared for this new role and congratulate her on this exciting opportunity.”
