Rob Dyson, Chris Dyson and the Dyson Racing Team note with deep sadness the passing at age 93 of Bob Riley, America’s most creative and prolific race car designer.
“Dyson Racing’s association with Bob Riley goes back to 1994, when he consulted on the development of the team’s Spice-Ferrari WSC car,” said Rob Dyson, who noted that Riley designed numerous successful open-wheel cars, including the Coyote with which A.J. Foyt in 1977 won his fourth Indianapolis 500; prototype sports cars and racing sedans.
“With our encouragement Bob designed and his company Riley & Scott developed Mk III chassis for the IMSA World Sports Car Championship,” Rob Dyson said. “Bob was one of the cornerstones in the foundation of Dyson Racing’s longterm success.”
Rob continued. “Beginning in 1995 the Riley & Scott Mk III brought eight years of success, including four consecutive series championships and victory in the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 1997 and 1999.”
Chris Dyson, the three-time and defending Trans Am champion currently campaigns a Riley Ford Mustang. “Twenty-four years ago I began my professional racing career in a Riley & Scott Mk III. And this year I’m still winning races in a car that Bob designed. That Bob remained a thoughtful and creative force in race car design through his 80s and into his early 90s is a testament to how his work continues to influence the sport. It was my honor to work with him and enjoy so much success together.”
Dyson Racing extends its sympathy and condolences to his son Bill, the Riley family, and all of Bob’s many colleagues and friends. Motorsport is poorer for Bob’s passing but a great deal richer for his many contributions to the sport over more than a half-century.