Scott Roembke, chief operating officer of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, passed away earlier today after a long battle with health problems.
Roembke served as the team’s COO from 2000 up to his passing. Despite his issues, he returned to the track for the 2012 Indianapolis 500 in order to work with Michel Jourdain, Jr. in a second RLLR entry.
He also played a role in two Indy 500 victories, working with Emerson Fittipaldi in his 1989 triumph and with Buddy Rice when he won in 2004.
Roembke was surrounded by his family when he passed, according to a statement on the team’s website.
“This is a very sad day for all of us at Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing,” said team co-owner Bobby Rahal in the same statement. “Scott was truly passionate about motor racing and particularly Indy car racing and was [a] wealth of knowledge about the sport. He was a great leader, a confidant of mine and a dear friend. Scott’s passion was directing winning Indy cars and RLL and many drivers were the beneficiaries of his strategic genius.
“Scott was selfless when it came time for the betterment of the Sport and the Sport is now poorer for his passing. Our prayers and sympathies are with his wife Darcy, son Chris and the entire Roembke family. Scott will always be a part of our team, now and in the future.”
