05/12/2026
I want to briefly address the recent split between Polk Racing and Gillian Leppado, as I know there has been a lot of discussion online.
First, I want to sincerely thank Gillian for the effort, dedication, and passion she brought to our program. We shared many important moments together, and I genuinely appreciate everything she contributed to the team.
After a great deal of consideration, I made the difficult decision to move in a different direction mid-season. One of the biggest challenges facing many race teams today is having the race day personnel and resources necessary to properly support a competitive and safe operation week after week. Between race-day responsibilities and the normal maintenance, preparation, and ongoing work required between races, I had growing concerns that our overall structure was being stretched too thin to consistently meet the standards I expect for the program.
As the car owner, I ultimately have the responsibility to make decisions based on what I believe is best for the long-term health, competitiveness, and safety of the program. This decision was not based on any one individual or specific incident, but rather an uneasy feeling that had gradually developed over the course of the season regarding whether our overall structure was where it needed to be.
These situations are never easy, especially when people have invested so much time, effort, and emotion into a team.
Out of respect for everyone involved, I’m not going to discuss private matters or engage in negativity online. I appreciate the passion people have for the sport and for the individuals involved, and I truly wish Gillian the best moving forward.
