Gar Robinson, a name synonymous with speed and success in sports car racing, is gearing up for a thrilling new chapter in his career. The 30-year-old Texan, known for his dominance in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, is stepping away from full-time sports car racing to dive into the rugged, unpredictable world of off-road racing starting in 2026. This move marks a significant shift for the two-time IMSA LMP3 champion, who has spent years carving out a legacy on asphalt. Now, he’s ready to tackle dirt, sand, and rocks with the same grit and determination that made him a standout in the racing world.
Robinson’s decision to pivot to off-road racing isn’t a farewell to his sports car roots but rather a bold exploration of new terrain. With his family’s Robinson Racing team by his side, he’s setting his sights on iconic off-road events like the King of the Hammers and the legendary Baja 1000. He’s also continuing his partnership with longtime co-driver Felipe Fraga, this time in South American rally competitions. This transition is more than a career change—it’s a chance for Robinson to forge his own path while honoring the legacy of his father, George Robinson, a respected figure in sports car racing.
A Storied Career on the Track
Robinson’s journey in motorsports has been nothing short of remarkable. Since 2020, he’s been a full-time competitor in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, driving for Riley Motorsports under the guidance of Bill Riley. His resume boasts victories in some of the most prestigious endurance races in North America, including the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, and the Motul Petit Le Mans. These wins, coupled with LMP3 championship titles in 2021 and 2023, cemented his reputation as a formidable talent.
In 2024, Robinson and Riley took a big step up to the LMP2 class, where he and Fraga finished an impressive second in the championship. Even now, with two races left in the 2025 season, the duo sits third in the points standings, proving their consistency and skill. “My time in IMSA and sports car racing with Bill and even with the old Robinson Racing guys have been some of the best times of my life,” Robinson shared in an interview with Sportscar365. “I’m proud of every memory we have together, but I think it’s time for me to go start my own thing.”
This isn’t about walking away from success. Robinson made it clear he’s not leaving IMSA because of dissatisfaction. Instead, he sees this as an opportunity to explore a new frontier, one that sets him apart from the path his father, George, took in sports car racing. “We came into IMSA with my dad’s legacy in mind and got a lot of it done, sometimes several times over,” he said. “This is my first career change that’s not really identical to my dad’s, which is a new frontier for me and Robinson Racing.”
The Call of the Wild: Why Off-Road Racing?
Off-road racing is a different beast compared to the polished world of sports car racing. It’s about navigating treacherous terrain, battling unpredictable conditions, and pushing vehicles to their limits in environments that test both driver and machine. For Robinson, the allure lies in the challenge and the chance to try something fresh. “It’s something new and exciting,” he told Sportscar365. “With the time that I have right now, my being young and 30, I think it’s time for me to try on new adventures.”
The King of the Hammers, one of the events Robinson is targeting, is a grueling race held in California’s Johnson Valley. It combines high-speed desert running with technical rock crawling, demanding precision and endurance. The Baja 1000, another goal on his list, is a legendary off-road race across Mexico’s Baja California peninsula, known for its punishing course and relentless demands on drivers. These races, along with South American rally competitions, represent a thrilling departure from the smooth tracks of Daytona and Sebring.
Robinson won’t be going it alone. He’s bringing along Felipe Fraga, his trusted co-driver from his IMSA days, to compete in South American rallies. The two have already tested their rally skills, racing together in a 1500-kilometer event in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, earlier this year. Their chemistry and experience make them a formidable pair, and Robinson is eager to continue their partnership in this new arena.
A Family Legacy and a New Beginning
Robinson Racing, the team founded by Gar’s father, George, in 1990, is at the heart of this transition. The team has a storied history in North American motorsports, with a presence in IMSA, Trans-Am, and other series. Gar’s decision to revive Robinson Racing for off-road competition is a nod to that legacy while also marking a fresh start. “We’re happy where we came from and we’re happy where we’re going,” he said, emphasizing the balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.
Bill Riley, a longtime collaborator and mentor, will play a key role in this new venture. Riley, who has worked with the Robinson family since the team’s inception, will assist with research and development for the off-road program. “We’re definitely going to use Bill for some of the research and development stuff,” Robinson explained. “To me, it’s almost a cooler way to have a relationship with Bill because it’s like how my dad started with Bill and Bob. They were building and developing cars together.”
Riley, known for his engineering expertise and competitive spirit, is excited about the opportunity. He jokingly mentioned his bartending skills, honed at IMSA’s Celebrity Bartender Challenge at Road America, before adding that he’s ready to dive into making car parts for Robinson’s off-road machines. This collaboration promises to blend Riley’s technical know-how with Robinson’s driving talent, creating a strong foundation for success in the off-road world.
Not Done with Sports Cars
While off-road racing is the focus, Robinson isn’t closing the door on sports car racing entirely. He hinted at the possibility of returning for select IMSA races in 2026, likely with Riley Motorsports. “We’ll probably come back one of these days,” he said, suggesting that fans might still see him behind the wheel of an Oreca 07 or another sports car in the future. This flexibility reflects his passion for racing in all its forms and his desire to keep his options open.
Meanwhile, Riley Motorsports is adapting to changes of its own. After Lamborghini announced it would halt its SC63 program in 2025, Riley is now working on a new GTD program for the Michelin Endurance Cup races in 2026. “We’re getting ready to put together a program next year with a GTD car,” Riley told Sportscar365. “Our doors are open to looking at other options now.” This shift ensures that Riley Motorsports remains a force in IMSA, even as Robinson embarks on his off-road journey.
A Driver’s Drive for Adventure
At 30, Robinson is at a crossroads where youth, experience, and ambition intersect. His decision to step into off-road racing is driven by a desire to challenge himself and explore new horizons. “We won everything,” he said, reflecting on his IMSA achievements. “I’m proud of every memory, but I think it’s time for me to go start my own thing.” This mindset resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the itch to try something new, to push beyond their comfort zone and see what they’re truly capable of.
For fans, Robinson’s move to off-road racing offers a chance to follow a proven champion into a different kind of motorsport. The King of the Hammers and Baja 1000 are spectacles of endurance and skill, drawing crowds who love the raw, unfiltered excitement of off-road competition. Robinson’s presence in these events, backed by the Robinson Racing team and supported by Riley’s expertise, is sure to make waves.
As 2026 approaches, Gar Robinson is ready to trade pavement for dirt, speed for strategy, and familiarity for the unknown. His journey from IMSA champion to off-road contender is a testament to his versatility and hunger for new challenges. Whether he’s navigating the rocky trails of King of the Hammers or battling through the deserts of Baja, one thing is certain: Gar Robinson is a driver to watch, and his next chapter promises to be as thrilling as the last.
