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| Bob Tullius, the legendary founder and driver of Group 44, Inc., captured in a focused portrait while wearing his signature Jaguar racing suit as the lead driver of the XJR-5 GTP prototype during the mid-1980s IMSA Camel GT era. Image Credit Courtesy of IMRRC Group 44 archives / Motorsports Photography Collection |
The Passing Of Bob Tullius Marks The End Of A Legendary Era In American Motorsports
The racing world lost one of its true pioneers with the passing of Bob Tullius
on March 16, 2026, at his home in Port Orange, Florida. He was 95 years old.
Born Robert Charles Tullius on December 7, 1930, in Rochester, New York,
Tullius transitioned from a promising athletic background to become an iconic
figure in sports car racing through his creation and leadership of Group 44.
As president of the Road Racing Drivers Club, Bobby Rahal issued a statement
reflecting the deep sadness felt across the community. "All of us at the Road
Racing Drivers Club are saddened at the passing of one of its icons and
heroes, Robert (Bob) Tullius."
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| 1978 Group 44 Jaguar XJS, XJR-3. Image Credit: Tim Scott for RM Auctions via Hemmings |
Rahal emphasized Tullius's disciplined journey from the gridiron to the racetrack. "After success as a star quarterback in college, only to be injured and forcing his retirement from football, Bob brought the discipline of his athletic career to amateur motorsports with the founding of Group 44."
Founded in 1965, Group 44 revolutionized amateur racing by introducing
professional standards, including meticulous preparation, manufacturer
partnerships, and comprehensive branding. Tullius and his team achieved
remarkable dominance, securing over 300 wins across club racing, Trans-Am, and
IMSA GTP competition, along with multiple national championships.
"Group 44 and Bob brought a professionalism to amateur racing that had yet to
exist and by doing so became one of the most dominant teams in both the
amateur and professional sides of the sport," Rahal stated.
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| Bob Tullius in his signature white Group 44 racing suit posing with his topless Jaguar shod with Goodyear rubber. Image Credit: jaguarheritage.com via Petrolicious |
Tullius's career became synonymous with Jaguar and British Leyland machinery. He piloted iconic cars such as the E-Type, XJS, and later the groundbreaking XJR GTP prototypes, delivering numerous SCCA National Championships, Trans-Am titles in 1977 and 1978, and key IMSA victories that paved the way for Jaguar's return to endurance racing, including Le Mans.
"Although he raced many different types of cars throughout his career, Bob was
forever tied to his relationship with British Leyland and Jaguar cars,
achieving many SCCA National Championships and overall victories," Rahal
noted.
A proud member of the RRDC, Tullius earned inductions into prestigious halls
of fame, including the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the SCCA Hall of
Fame, and recognition from IMSA for his enduring contributions as both driver
and team owner.
Rahal closed with a personal and collective tribute. "He was a proud member of
the RRDC. We offer our deepest sympathies to Bob's family. Godspeed, Bob
Tullius."
Tullius's legacy endures through the professional ethos he established, the
victories he achieved, and the inspiration he provided to generations in
motorsports. From football fields to winner's circles, his story exemplifies
determination and excellence.
... notes from
The EDJE
TAGS:
#BobTullius, #Group44, #JaguarRacing, #SCCA, #IMSA, #TransAm, #RRDC,
#MotorsportsLegend, #MotorsportsJournal, #TheEDJE
