The IndyCar community and the motorsports world at large are in mourning this week following the news that Dennis Reinbold, the visionary founder and owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), has passed away at the age of 65.
The team announced on Sunday that Reinbold died peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his loving family.
For over two decades, Reinbold was more than just a team owner; he was a staple of the Indianapolis racing scene and a leader in the local business community. Beyond his impact on the track, Reinbold built a successful family of automobile dealerships across Indiana, including BMW, Infiniti, Mini, Subaru, and Volkswagen locations in Indianapolis and Greenwood.
Dennis is a shining example of character, compassion, and leadership. He was a mentor/example of how to treat/lead people & follow your passion without compromising character while doing it. Thanks for 25+ yrs of friendship & for blazing a trail that many of us try to follow. RIP
President of IndyCar, Doug Boles
A Life Dedicated to the Pursuit of Excellence
Reinbold co-founded DRR in 1999 alongside Eric DeBord. The team saw immediate success, capturing a victory in the 2000 season opener with driver Robbie Buhl. It was a moment that set the tone for a team known for its tenacity and deep-rooted commitment to the Indianapolis 500.
«Dennis’s passion for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway—its history and the pursuit of an Indy 500 win—drove him every day,» said Brett De Bord, Chief Commercial Officer of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing.
Under Reinbold’s guidance, DRR became a respected force at the Brickyard. The team qualified every single one of the 53 cars they entered into the Indy 500, a testament to Reinbold’s meticulous standards and love for the race.
A Legacy That Lives On
As the racing community processes this loss, the focus remains on the culture of «family first» that Reinbold instilled in both his race team and his automotive dealerships. Brian Gauker, General Manager of the Dreyer & Reinbold dealerships, noted the team’s determination to honor their leader’s vision: «Dennis treated each of us as family, and family was his highest priority. We are determined to carry on his legacy of excellence.»
Dennis Reinbold’s contributions to IndyCar go far beyond the record books. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, an unyielding passion for the Indianapolis 500, and a team that carries his spirit forward.
Our thoughts at WeLikeIndySports are with the Reinbold family, the DRR racing team, and all those who were touched by Dennis’s life and leadership.
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