Author Topic: Jim Byrnes, son of Rick Byrnes  (Read 2478 times)

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Offline Seldom Seen Slim

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Jim Byrnes, son of Rick Byrnes
« on: October 19, 2012, 12:33:13 PM »
I'm sad to report that Jim Byrnes, the 45-year-old son of Rick Byrnes (remember the 200 mph Ford Fusion a few years ago?), died unexpectedly a few days ago.  He leaves Jane and three kids as well as his mom and dad, Glenys and Rick.  Jim worked with his dad racing at Bonneville -- so many of you will likely know him.

Rick would prefer that - if you need to contact him (he's going to Colorado Springs this weekend to be with Jim's family) Rick would like you to use this email addy:  RickByrnes@comcast.net  Don't use any other address you might have for him, please.

May Jim rest in peace.
Jon E. Wennerberg
 a/k/a Seldom Seen Slim
 Skandia, Michigan
 (that's way up north)
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Offline dw230

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Re: Jim Byrnes, son of Rick Byrnes
« Reply #1 on: October 19, 2012, 01:52:07 PM »
Saw this on Face book this AM. I knew Jim from  the salt and told Rick that Joanie and I are sorry for the family's loss.

DW
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Offline 4-barrel Mike

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Re: Jim Byrnes, son of Rick Byrnes
« Reply #2 on: October 19, 2012, 11:19:58 PM »
Rick's email was the first I read this morning: a sad start to the day.

The logbook for the Merkur for 1999 reads:
Existing Record: 162.924
Body Class (F/) Gas Coupe.
Event Results: Record, no. 
Notes: "Qualified - left impound because driver (Jim Byrnes) had to return home.  Rick broke motor the next day trying to requalify."

I believe this was the last time he drove on the salt.

RIP Jim.

Mike
Mike Kelly - PROUD owner of the V4F that powered the #1931 VGC to a 82.803 mph record in 2008!