Founded in 1989, RM Motorsports has grown from a small restoration shop into an internationally respected name in vintage and modern race car preparation. Based in Wixom, Michigan, since 1990, the company is led by Craig and Leah Bennett, with Tony Pardo as a partial owner.

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RM Motorsports began in 1989 when two men from different corners of the racing world—Jim Bartel and Bud Bennett—joined forces with a shared passion for restoring and racing vintage cars. What started as a small partnership quickly grew into a respected name in motorsports, known for its extensive knowledge of Can-Am and Formula 5000 racecars. Craig became the face of RM, driving customers’ cars to victory and demonstrating the exceptional preparation and reliability behind every build.

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Before Leah and Craig officially met, fate seemed to be quietly aligning their paths. In 1987, Leah photographed Craig’s pink Camaro during the Mid-Ohio Trans-Am race—long before either knew the other. A year later, in 1988, their worlds finally connected when Leah introduced herself to Craig at her father’s shop in Southfield, Michigan—ironically located just across the building from where Craig and his brother, Kirt, were preparing a Trans-Am car for the Detroit Grand Prix.

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As their relationship grew, so did their professional collaboration. Bud Bennett, along with Craig and Kirt, left the construction business to focus entirely on cars. In 1990, they moved operations from Southfield to Wixom, Michigan. One of the company’s first major restorations beyond racecars was the 1954 Kimberly Clark 375MM Ferrari, which debuted at the Pebble Beach Concours after completion. In 2014, that same car sold for $9.5 million, a lasting testament to the craftsmanship that became RM’s signature.

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As Craig’s reputation grew through his racing success in the Lola 163 Can-Am car—competing against legends like Brian Redman, George Follmer, and Vic Elford—so did RM’s clientele and the diversity of vehicles they prepared and restored. Projects included Porsche 962 Group C cars and historic Formula 1 racers like the Tyrrell six-wheeler.

From its early days in a 5,000-square-foot shop, RM Motorsports earned recognition for its hands-on approach, honesty, and winning spirit. Over the years, RM expanded into a 26,000-square-foot facility complete with a machine shop, paint booth, three hoists, and a showroom filled with invaluable reference materials. Today, the skilled team restores and maintains over 30 vehicles at any given time, including Superformance Cobras, a 2011 LeMans-winning Ford GT Super Car, IGT Ferrari 458s, a 2007 Panoz Champ car, and even a HiAce Fire Truck.

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RM’s expertise extends far beyond the racetrack. In 2001, the company was awarded a prototype project from Chrysler, leading to the creation of the Dodge Tomahawk. Soon after came the Ford EX show vehicle, further proving RM’s technical precision and creativity. Their reputation eventually reached international clients—including the Prince of Thailand, for whom RM has restored over 15 street cars, each rebuilt from the ground up to blend modern comfort and performance while preserving the soul of the original.

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At its heart, RM Motorsports has always been a family business. Leah and Craig’s journey has been marked by great joy and deep sorrow, including the loss of their beloved daughter in 2005—a time when their RM family offered steadfast support and strength.

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As Bud Bennett transitioned toward retirement in 2017, Leah and Craig began the process of taking full ownership of RM Motorsports, bringing the story full circle—once again led by a Bennett and a Bartel. Joined by Tony Pardo, a valued part-owner, they continue to guide RM with the same integrity, skill, and passion that have defined the company since day one.

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At RM Motorsports, every project—whether a complete restoration, race preparation, or custom build—is treated with the same respect and attention to detail. RM is not limited by vehicle type or project vision. For Craig and Leah, it has never been about prestige or profit, but about preserving history, honoring passion, and celebrating the memories that live within every car.