IndyCar/IMSA News: Bob Riley dies at age of 93

IndyCar and Sportscar builder Bob Riley has died at the ripe old age of 93. He designed and built some of the most successful race cars in the history of American motorsports.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Notable Riley Race Cars

• Coyote Indy cars for A.J. Foyt,
• Front-engine Mustang GTPs
• The high-downforce Intrepid RM-1,
• The dominating Riley & Scott Trans Am cars
• Mk III prototype
• The Riley Daytona Prototype chassis.

A 2024 inductee into the IMSA Hall of Fame as well as a member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Riley’s career as an engineer and car designer stretched across multiple racing disciplines. A mechanical and aeronautical engineer, he worked in the aircraft industry and Chrysler’s Space Division Saturn rocket program, while building race cars at home, notably the legendary Lynx Formula Vee.

Riley-designed Coyote-Foyt Ford was an IndyCar superpower in the 1970s and carried A.J. to his fourth Indy 500 win in 1977.

Riley held a storied career, both as an engineer and car designer, having worked on projects such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Ford GT Mk IV, as well as designing the Ford Mustang GTP.

Riley has achieved ten overall victories in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, second only to Porsche.

“All of us at IMSA are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Bob Riley,” said IMSA President John Doonan.

“Bob was a legendary figure in sports car racing, and we were proud to have him with us as we inducted him into the IMSA Hall of Fame less than two weeks ago.

“Bob was one of the most important and influential race car engineers and designers in the United States, as evidenced by the many championships and race victories earned by Riley chassis – including seven Rolex 24 At Daytona wins.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s son, Bill, and the entire Riley family, as well as Bob’s many friends and colleagues. Bob was truly one of a kind and will be sorely missed.”