Legendary Road Racer and Team Owner Bob Tullius Dies at 95

Group 44 founder helped shape SCCA, Trans-Am, and IMSA with innovation, style, and Jaguar success

Mar. 18, 2026 at 8:12pm

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Bob Tullius, a pioneer of American road racing who elevated the sport through his participation with Group 44, passed away at his home in Port Orange, Florida, at the age of 95. Tullius was known for his immaculate trackside presentation and success in SCCA, Trans-Am, and IMSA events, particularly with Jaguar vehicles. He was a visionary competitor, gifted team leader, and gentleman who left an indelible mark on motorsports history.

Why it matters

Tullius was a trailblazer who helped professionalize and popularize road racing in the United States through his innovative approach with Group 44. His success and influence spanned multiple decades and racing series, making him a legendary figure in the sport.

The details

Tullius founded Group 44 in 1965 with longtime business partner Brian Furstenau and Dick Gilmartin. The team was known for its meticulous presentation and success, winning multiple SCCA National Championships and Trans-Am races. Tullius also helped return Jaguar to Le Mans in 1984 and scored numerous victories in IMSA's GTP class in the 1980s with the Jaguar XJR-5 and XJR-7.

  • Tullius won the first of two SCCA National Championships at the Runoffs in 1964.
  • Tullius won a second Runoffs title in E Production at Road Atlanta in 1975.
  • Tullius won the 1977 Trans-Am Category I championship in his Jaguar XJS.
  • Tullius and Group 44 entered two-car teams in IMSA's GTP class from 1982 to 1986, scoring 10 victories.
  • Tullius co-drove to 13th and a GTP class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1985.

The players

Bob Tullius

A pioneer of American road racing who founded Group 44 and achieved success in SCCA, Trans-Am, and IMSA events, particularly with Jaguar vehicles.

Brian Furstenau

Tullius's longtime business partner who co-founded Group 44.

Dick Gilmartin

An early member of Group 44 who left the company shortly after it was incorporated in 1965.

John Bishop

The founder of IMSA who would invite Tullius into the motor home for a beer, and then throw him out.

Hurley Haywood

The driver who won the Trans-Am driver's title in 1988 while driving for Tullius's Group 44 team with Audi Quattros.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody thought I was really rich. I wished it was true. I borrowed the truck and trailer and had to pay for its operation while I was making about a third of what I had been making working for Eastman Kodak.”

— Bob Tullius

“John Bishop would invite me into IMSA's motor home for a beer, and then he would throw me out.”

— Bob Tullius

“He was a visionary competitor, a gifted team leader, and a gentleman whose presence elevated every paddock he entered. His success with Group 44 and his decades of innovation and excellence left an unmistakable imprint on IMSA's history and on the countless people he inspired along the way.”

— John Doonan, IMSA President

What’s next

The 74th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, an event where Tullius raced 14 times, will take place five days after his passing.

The takeaway

Tullius's pioneering spirit, innovative approach, and sustained success over multiple decades cemented his legacy as a true legend of American road racing. His impact on the sport, from SCCA to IMSA, will continue to be felt for years to come.