Ilmor Engineering President Paul Ray Announces Retirement After Decades of Success
Nashville, TN – Paul Ray, the longstanding president of Ilmor Engineering, has announced his retirement, effective following Sunday’s IndyCar race at Nashville Superspeedway. Ray joined Ilmor in 1990, elevating the company to new heights, highlighted by a total of 387 IndyCar victories across its clients, including a recent win by Will Power at Portland using the Ilmor-built 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 Chevrolet engine.
Under Ray’s leadership, Ilmor also contributed to a remarkable tally of Indianapolis 500 wins, amassing over a dozen, including seven consecutive victories from 1988 to 1994. His departure marks a significant transition in the company’s North American racing operations.
Ray stated, “It was probably 50 things, not one particular one that led me to this decision… I turned 65… and came to the conclusion that it’s time.” He cited the lack of time for personal rejuvenation over the past 30 years as a critical factor influencing his choice.
A Legacy of Innovation and Victory
Founded in 1985 by Mario Illien and Paul Morgan with financial backing from Roger Penske, Ilmor made its debut in CART IndyCar Series in 1986. The company secured its first win in 1987 with Mario Andretti, utilizing a Chevrolet-badged 2.65-liter A-spec V8 turbo engine. By the late 1980s, with Team Penske spearheading its efforts, Ilmor emerged as a dominant force in motorsports.
Penske praised Ray’s influence on the company and Team Penske’s success: “Paul Ray has been a great leader… Ilmor has established itself as one of the world’s leading engineering companies,” he stated.
Starting from a modest team of five in Michigan, Ray steered Ilmor into a multidisciplinary powerhouse with over 150 employees, servicing IndyCar, NASCAR, and marine engine programs.
Future Endeavors
Ray will transition to a quieter lifestyle in Idaho, where he has a new home under construction and various high-performance vehicle projects planned. Though he intends to remain involved in IndyCar, particularly regarding the next-generation engine formula debuting in 2028, Ray will no longer endure the rigors of constant travel.
Reflecting on his legacy, Ray emphasized the people behind Ilmor: “It can be seven days a week, 12 to 14 hours per day… the engines don’t build themselves. The effort is all human, and that, in the end, is the best part of it.” His commitment to integrity and dedication to his team will remain cornerstones of Ilmor’s identity.
