Riley named to oversee series' engine development

By Dave Lewandowski | Published: Oct 6, 2014

Marvin Riley

Marvin Riley, INDYCAR’s new director of engine development, has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Whitney, which underscores his outlook on life.

“I’ve always been the kind of person who’s strived to do interesting and difficult things. I’m a marathon runner, a triathlete and I do love hiking as well,” he said. “Mt. Kilimanjaro was a fantastic trip, filled with meeting the amazing people of Tanzania, and Mt. Whitney we gave it our own twist by doing it in one day. It’s those things make me feel alive and that’s why I do them."

Riley will work with the sanctioning body’s technical group in developing the rules and performance standards for the Verizon IndyCar Series engine manufacturers Chevrolet and Honda.

Riley, 33, a native of New Jersey, received his undergraduate mechanical engineering degree from University of Michigan and earned his MBA in 2012 from UCLA. He has been a Honda Performance Development associate the past decade, most recently serving as assistant manager of the engine development department.

“I’m happy to have someone of Marvin’s experience join the team,” INDYCAR vice president of technology Will Phillips said. "As well as helping to define the future Verizon IndyCar Series powertrain regulations, Marvin will oversee the engine manufacturers' performance and competition to ensure they are competing within the current rules.”

Chevrolet and Honda also will supply aerodynamic bodywork kits that will debut at the 2015 domestic season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 27-29. The on-track testing window opens Oct. 8.

“With HPD, I’ve worked mostly on IndyCar projects my whole time. I do it because I have a tremendous love for racing and a tremendous respect for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its heritage," Riley said. "More importantly because of how competitive it is. INDYCAR is willing to push the boundaries of motorsport. It is the fastest motorsport in North American by far. It’s technically compelling and challenging and has some of the best racing, and that's what appeals to me."