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The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is saddened by the loss of Bob Riley, a legendary engineer and car designer whose vehicles still compete and win in Trans Am today. Riley has been designing…
The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli mourns the passing of Bob Riley, a legendary engineer and car designer whose vehicles continue to compete and succeed in Trans Am races today. Riley’s innovative racecar designs have spanned five decades, achieving victories in prestigious races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indy 500, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as championships in IMSA, INDYCAR, and Grand-Am. Renowned Trans Am drivers such as Scott Pruett, Scott Sharp, Jack Baldwin, and Wally Dallenbach Jr. have clinched 14 Trans Am titles in Riley-built cars. Notably, Tom Gloy secured the 1984 Trans Am championship in a Lincoln-Mercury Capri designed by Riley at Roush Racing. In 1990, Riley co-founded Riley & Scott with Mark Scott, introducing competitive racecars like the Mk I Trans Am chassis and later the Mk VIII in 2001. The latest addition to Riley’s legacy, the TA’s Ave-Riley AR3, debuted in 2022 and has seen success with drivers like Chris Dyson, Tomy Drissi, Justin Marks, David Pintaric, and Gar Robinson at the helm. “Racing is an engineering sport,” Riley once said, highlighting the continual evolution and application of new technology in car design. Bob Riley’s enduring influence on motorsports is celebrated by longtime racers like Dyson, Drissi, and Robinson, who continue to excel in his meticulously crafted machines.
