Chairman Joseph Heitzler, who also is president and CEO, will continue to oversee day-to-day operations until the search is completed. Heitzler will remain chairman.

No timetable was established for the changes, which were approved by the board.

"I remain totally dedicated to CART and its sponsors, teams, television partners, race promoters, shareholders, and especially our fans," Heitzler said Wednesday.

Most of the biggest names in CART are foreign drivers largely unknown to anyone but hardcore fans. Since the arrival of the Indy Racing League in 1996, the core group of open-wheel racing fans has been split, and CART's TV ratings have dipped.

Championship Auto Racing Teams was formed in 1978 by a group of dissident U.S. Auto Club car owners intent on being in control of their own series.

Since then, the leadership of CART has changed many times. Each of its presidents, chairmen and CEOs faced the problem of dealing with a board of directors made up of the very people trying to win races and championships.