Ilmor’s name rings out loudest in the worlds of IndyCar, Formula 1, and NASCAR, a nod to innovation, precision, and the pursuit of horsepower. Paul Ray had plenty to do with that. Under his watch, race teams relied on Ilmor’s engines for consistent speed, reliability, and the kind of performance that wins championships. Through rule changes, tech revolutions, and an ongoing battle between engineering and pure luck, Ray kept Ilmor ahead of the curve.
Ask anyone who dealt with Ray and you’ll hear stories about a leader who mixed an old-school love for racing with new-school thinking. He wasn’t afraid to shake up a design, test a radical idea, or push for that elusive tenth of a second which often separates glory from disappointment. Ilmor’s reputation for durability—those engines that power through grueling races and basically ask for more—is as much about Ray’s standards as any blueprint or dyno sheet.
The timing of his retirement speaks volumes. With the Nashville IndyCar finale around the corner, Ray chose to sign off surrounded by the engines, drivers, and paddocks that shaped his career. There’s poetry in ending a chapter at a circuit pulsing with racing’s future, knowing that Ilmor’s legacy will keep roaring no matter who holds the president’s title.
Ray’s influence extends beyond engines; he’s mentored up-and-comers, built relationships across continents, and fostered a culture of relentless pursuit at Ilmor. The story isn’t just about race results—it’s about a personality that pulled the best from everyone around him, leaving an impression on the industry that’ll last long past the final lap at Nashville.
As Ilmor faces a new era, Ray’s mark is indelible. The company will keep sculpting power and chasing podiums, but there’s no question the next president has big shoes to fill. For now, the racing world tips its hat to Paul Ray—engine wizard, leader, and the man who made Ilmor synonymous with success.
