INDIANAPOLIS – Beaux Barfield is bringing a plan to the IndyCar Series.

He'll tighten the rules, create a more consistent penalty structure and change the way he communicates with teams.

Series CEO Randy Bernard introduced Barfield as the new race director during a news conference Wednesday. Barfield accepted a 1-year contract to replace Brian Barnhart, who was criticized by drivers last season for what they deemed arbitrary calls.

Barfield wants to change that perception. He says he will continue to call blocking, though he intends to use the same penalty in the first race as the final race unless it's a repeat offense.

He wants to use instant messaging to communicate with teams during races rather than radio communications. And he'll get to write the rules the way he wants them, too.