We are pleased to present Rick Byrnes from Dearborn, Michigan.

I have a long history in the automotive industry. After 3 years in the military and a like amount of time at university I struck out on my saga of employment and career. Not having finished my degree, I bounced around for a while and finally landed a Job at Ford Motor Co. Engine Engineering. I worked a number of different assignments from experimental vehicle planning and build, to Gas Turbine Engine Technician. Yes, Ford produced for a short while, a large gas turbine engine for HD truck and industrial use, but my love of IC engines, fueled with gasoline brought me back to engine design. In 1985 I became a design engineer, and a few years later, a component design engineer, where I was specializing in gasket and seal design, as well as the related cam covers and front covers that were to be sealed. I designed and released composite parts, as well as aluminum and magnesium cam covers and related gaskets and seals.. During the period of 1981 to 87, I was assigned to the 2.3 Litre engine design team and had responsibility for the entire engine sealing systems from 85 to 87. My deep involvement and familiarity with the 2.3 engine, and my passion for high performance lead me to working with a drag racing team. (Reider & Wallace) We were quite successful, and it eventually led me to a renewed interest in the Bonneville Salt Flats and Land Speed Racing. This interest took me to Bonneville during the summer of 86 and I was hooked. As an engine builder, there is no better place to test your worth. Upon returning I began looking for the most aerodynamic vehicles within Ford, and it lead me directly to the Merkur XR4ti. It took more than 4 years to obtain the appropriate vehicle and build it into what many now know as my record holding racing machine. My XR4 is the fastest 4-cylinder production sedan in the world, and currently holds two records. One in the flying mile at 204.952 MPH and another in the standing start mile at 174.757 MPH. I continue to race the XR4, and will be at Speed Week this year, attempting to make more records in a class that I have not previously run. In 1998 I became a member of the prestigious 200-MPH club, by setting a World record of more than 200 MPH. This was one of my life’s dreams accomplished. My plans for my XR4 are now not certain, but I am finding myself thinking that Her future will be in a museum.

 I have recently retired from Ford Motor Company and spend the majority of my time running the business of RB Motorsports, and preparing for competition this year. At the same time I am continuing to look for more opportunities in the Land Speed Racing arena.

I am married to Glenys, a wonderful little red haired girl that has been with me since 1963. We enjoy life together and plan on enjoying many more years together in retirement.