Dennis Reinbold, 65, Esteemed Racing Team Owner, Passes Away

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Dennis Reinbold, the founder of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (DRR), which competed in the Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar for over 25 years, has passed away at the age of 65. Reinbold died on Saturday, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by both his racing team and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in statements released on Sunday. Further details regarding his passing have not been disclosed.

Under Reinbold's leadership, the Indianapolis-based DRR achieved its best Indy 500 finish in 2012, securing fourth place. The team was in a competitive position with just 31 laps to go in the 2025 race, but 2012 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay experienced a fuel issue. Notably, DRR led the famed race in four of the last six events, with all 53 entries qualifying for the starting lineup. In the most recent race last month, the team's two entries finished in 12th and 22nd places.

“We are heartbroken to share the news that our owner, leader, and friend, Dennis Reinbold, has passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family,” the team lamented. They highlighted his accomplishments beyond racing, noting that he established a thriving family of automobile dealerships throughout Indiana. His deep affection for the Indianapolis community fueled his dedication to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, as he sought to fulfill his dream of winning the Indy 500. “We can think of no better way to honor Dennis than to chase a victory in the 111th Running of the Indianapolis 500,” they added.

Reinbold founded DRR in 1999, honoring his family's rich racing legacy. His grandfather, Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, was a motorcycle racer who later served as a crew member and chief mechanic for the Duesenberg at the Indianapolis 500 in 1927. The team began full-time participation in the IndyCar series in 2000, with Robbie Buhl clinching their only race victory at Walt Disney World. DRR also achieved two second-place finishes in 2010 and four third-place finishes between 2001 and 2012, marking the end of their full-time racing in the series.

In recent years, Dreyer & Reinbold focused primarily on the Indy 500, competing in just five series races in 2013 before shifting their efforts exclusively to the prestigious event, aside from four races during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Notable drivers who raced for DRR include two-time Indy champion Al Unser Jr., as well as other winners such as Buddy Lazier, Buddy Rice, and Simon Pagenaud, along with JR Hildebrand, Townsend Bell, Conor Daly, and IndyCar champion Paul Tracy.