Team Mopar is in grieving over the passing of Greg Reeves, 58, Engineering Manager for Dodge Motorsports and Mopar Performance Parts. Reeves suffered an apparent heart attack at his Michigan home on Sunday, September 17. He is survived by his wife Rosemary, his daughters Jamie and Jennifer, his son Justin, and granddaughter Sydney.

Reeves' involvement with the DaimlerChrysler Corporation began before he graduated high school, as he and his twin brother Kent competed in the Plymouth Trouble Shooting contest while students in an auto shop class in 1966. Winning the local contest, Reeves and his brother moved into the contest finals in Highland Park, Michigan, where they earned a placement for their efforts. An award plaque from the event still hung in Reeves' office at the time of his death.

After graduating from college, Reeves' career as an engineer saw him return to the DaimlerChrysler (then Chrysler) Corporation in the zone offices of the Services/Parts/Sales organization. Moving from positions in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas and other central locations, Reeves took a two-year position with the corporate offices in Michigan. It was there that he found his true home within the DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

Reeves was named the Engineering Manager for Mopar Performance Parts and Mopar Accessories. It was during this time that he began working with the Mopar/Dodge NHRA Pro Stock Series racing program. Working closely with the Wayne County Speedway/Dodge Boys racing team, Reeves was an integral part of their championship winning efforts. His other projects included the rebirth of the 426 HEMI engine and the Mopar Performance crate motor programs. His involvement in the ARCA and IROC Series racing programs helped mark DaimlerChrysler's resurgence into circle track racing, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

During a reorganization period for the company in 1997-1998, Reeves became the Mopar Accessories Engineering Manager and stepped away from the racing programs for a brief period. In late 2000, he returned to the Mopar Performance Parts organization, taking over the engineering responsibilities for the group. Moving to Dodge Motorsports in 2002, Reeves moved into the position he held until his passing, that of Engineering Manager, Dodge Motorsports and Mopar Performance Parts.

During his final years with DaimlerChrysler, Reeves worked on a variety of projects, including the Pro Stock HEMI engine program, his true passion. He also worked on the development of the aluminum block sprint car and midget car engine programs, attending many NHRA and open-wheel racing events each year. Reeves also worked with the Mopar Direct Connection program and the Dodge Viper V10 and Dodge Neon Parts projects.

Reeves' fondness of racing continued over the years, but he discovered another passion that was born from his desire to spend time with his family. He was introduced to Jeep off-road activities through close friends. Unlike racing, it was a sport where he could be surrounded by his family in the same vehicle. His love for Jeep off-road activities became a way of life and a shared passion that the Reeves family enjoyed throughout many weekends over the years at several locations across the country.

Reeves especially enjoyed his work with the Mopar/Dodge NHRA Pro Stock Series program and race teams. A fixture within the Mopar/Dodge Motorsports family, Reeves will be deeply missed. Mopar's thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time, and Team Mopar will pay tribute to Reeves beginning with this weekend's 21st Annual O'Reilly Fall Nationals at the Texas Motorplex. The Mopar NHRA family will carry decals on their cars in his memory. His work within the Mopar and Dodge Racing programs was instrumental in the brands' continued success and progress.

Friends and family who wish to call on the Reeves family may do so from 1-9 p.m. today at Mandziuk and Sons Funeral Home, 3801 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314 (Phone: 586-997-3838) Reeves' funeral service will be at St. Jane's Church, 38750 Ryan Rd., Sterling Heights, MI, at 11 a.m. tomorrow (laying in state from 10:30-11 a.m.). A private burial service, for family only, will follow the funeral service.

A scholarship in Reeves' name is being arranged in cooperation with Northwood Institute. Memorial contributions can be made in Greg's honor to: Northwood University, Attn: Private Donor Scholarships, 4000 Whiting Dr., Midland, MI 48640.