Dennis Jay Reinbold

Dennis Reinbold passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and a gifted businessman, mentor, songwriter, and craftsman. His life was defined by hard work, generosity, determination, and a deep passion for family, community, and motorsports.

Above all, Dennis was a family man. He measured his life not in business achievements or racing milestones, but in the relationships he built and the love he shared with those closest to him. His family was the center of his world, and he counted himself blessed beyond measure by the love they shared.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Jennifer Reinbold; his sons, Derek Reinbold (Cristina) and Graham Reinbold (Hadley Jordan); his cherished granddaughter, Jane Reinbold; his mother, Dee Reinbold; his sister, Donna Sease (David); and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, employees, racing associates, and music partners who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard “Dick” Reinbold, and his grandparents.

His sons, Derek and Graham, and his granddaughter, Jane, were a constant source of pride and joy. He celebrated their successes, stood by them through life’s challenges, and taught by example the values of integrity, perseverance, loyalty, and humor.

Dennis built a remarkable career in the automotive industry, earning the respect of colleagues, customers, and peers through his vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence. In leading the Dreyer & Reinbold automotive dealerships, he created businesses that reflected his core values—forging lasting relationships, treating employees like family, and serving customers with honesty and respect. His entrepreneurial drive established a legacy that will shape lives for generations.

While Dennis found tremendous success in business, his greatest passion was motorsports. A lifelong fan of racing, he took special pride in the growth and accomplishments of Dreyer & Reinbold Racing. The name paid tribute to his family’s legacy in racing, as Dennis’s grandfather Floyd “Pop” Dreyer, an Indy 500 legend among mechanics, car builders, and participants from the great race’s early days, stoked his passion for the event. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was more than a venue to Dennis—it was a second home. And each year, the day after Memorial Day, he began the chase for the next Indianapolis 500, fueled by optimism, determination, and the belief that the next year could be the year.

Through Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, Dennis helped build a team that embodied perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. He took immense pride in representing Indianapolis on the world’s greatest racing stage and cherished the friendships he formed in the racing community. His impact on the sport extended far beyond the track, touching everyone who admired not only his business acumen, but also his humility, character, and genuine love of racing.

Before his business and racing successes, Dennis was an accomplished athlete. He played baseball at the University of Indianapolis and later competed with the semi-professional Plainfield Patriots. The friendships formed in those years remained among the most meaningful of his life. His teammates became lifelong friends, gathering for decades to cheer on the Indianapolis Colts and share the camaraderie that began on the baseball field.

Dennis found a creative outlet in music. In 2005, driving home from a race weekend in Chicago, Dennis and his close friend Bob Corn began writing songs together. With the support of their friend Ben Fowler, a Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer, they recorded their songs in some of Nashville’s most prestigious recording studios, alongside the city’s renowned first-call session musicians.

Dennis took tremendous pride in the music they created. In 2024, their song When You’re Just a Kid became the first of their works to be recorded by a country artist, Northlake Shivers. Over the years, their catalog of songs reached listeners around the world, accumulating nearly five million streams across the major platforms. For Dennis, songwriting was never about recognition—it was about friendship, storytelling, and the joy of creating something that could connect with others.

Woodworking became yet another creative outlet. Dennis built an exceptional woodshop in his home, pairing state-of-the-art equipment with treasured tools handed down from his grandfather and father. Woodworking became a way for Dennis to honor family traditions while creating something lasting for future generations, like a bookcase where his granddaughter keeps her bedtime stories.

Those who knew Dennis will remember his infectious smile, quick wit, generous heart, and rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. He was a mentor to many, a trusted friend to many more, and someone who never hesitated to lend a hand. He filled every room with energy, optimism, and laughter. Whether at the racetrack, in the dealership, in the recording studio, in his woodshop, or gathered around the family table, Dennis brought people together and made them feel valued.

Dennis leaves a legacy that reaches far beyond business success and racing. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his devotion to family, his entrepreneurial drive, his creativity, and his lifelong passion for the Indianapolis 500 and the sport he loved. Though he will be deeply missed, his influence, his values, and the memories he leaves behind will continue to inspire all who knew him.

The checkered flag may have fallen, but Dennis’s race was one of purpose, impact, and love—a life truly well lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Indianapolis “Dennis Reinbold Memorial Fund,” for a future initiative to be created in his honor and to the IMS Museum Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, Carmel, Indiana.