Motorsports lost a true friend over the weekend in Scott Roembke, the beloved and widely respected COO of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
“This is a very sad day for all of us at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” principal owner Bobby Rahal said of Roembke, who was one of his first hires when he started his team in 1992. “Scott was truly passionate about motor racing and particularly IndyCar racing, and was a wealth of knowledge about the sport. He was a great leader, a confidant of mine and a dear friend.”
“The passing of Scott Roembke leaves us all with a heavy heart and great sadness,” said Scott Atherton, President and CEO, American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón
“I had the pleasure of working with Scott in both the ALMS and IndyCar. He was equally comfortable and accomplished in both arenas. There is no question of his success as a top level racing team executive, but he was a dedicated friend of the industry and a constant source insight, guidance and information that will difficult to replace.”
Roembke began his professional racing career in 1986. After growing up a passionate race fan in suburban Indianapolis, Roembke realized his lifelong dream when he joined Patrick Racing as the logistics manager and worked closely with the legendary Jim McGee. He later assumed the role of Assistant Team Manager for Patrick Racing. Late in 1991, he joined Rahal-Hogan Racing as General Manager and in 2000 was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, a title he held at the time of his passing. Under Roembke’s guidance, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing has become recognized as an industry innovator and one of the premier teams in open-wheel and sports car racing.
“Scott faced life’s most difficult challenges with the same quiet, understated determination that was the hallmark of his style,” Atherton said. “Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Scott’s family, friends and the entire Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing organization.”
