In 2015, he was appointed by IndyCar as Race Director. Though the move was initially criticized by fans, he earned some respect back during his tenure in the role, including from long time detractor Robin Miller who, upon his departure after 2017 said "I have to admit he was damn good as Race Director." Among Barnhart's roles in this position was to give final instructions at each driver's meeting before every race, including the public driver's meeting prior to the 2017 Indianapolis 500. He also was given a three-man Stewarding panel that assisted in assessing penalties, instead of being a lone Chief Steward, as he was through the 2011 season. The panel included former drivers Arie Luyendyk and Max Papis, and was credited as helping Barnhart by giving him a driver's perspective of the race (Barnhart was never a race driver himself).