Dreyer & Reinbold Racing founder Dennis Reinbold dies at 65

Dennis Reinbold, the founder and owner of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, died at age 65 after battling cancer, the team said. Reinbold died peacefully surrounded by family, and the organization asked for privacy for the Reinbold family. A proud Indianapolis native, he spent much of his life tied to the city, its automotive business community and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where his ambition centered on winning the Indianapolis 500.

Reinbold built his success in the car dealership business before helping launch Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, which the team said was founded in 1999 and first entered IndyCar in 2000. The organization won its only IndyCar race in its debut at Walt Disney World Speedway that year with Robbie Buhl. Dreyer & Reinbold Racing competed in full IndyCar seasons through 2012, then largely shifted to an Indianapolis 500-only program, though at times it fielded as many as four cars. Its best Indianapolis 500 finish was fourth in 2012.

The team said Reinbold was a significant figure in its history and in the Indianapolis racing community, and noted his long-standing commitment to Indianapolis 500 success. Since its formation, Dreyer & Reinbold Racing has entered every Indianapolis 500, and it said it intends to continue doing so after Reinbold’s death. The team also said it hopes to honor his legacy by pursuing a victory in the 111th Indianapolis 500, with part-time entries this year for Jack Harvey, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Conor Daly.