When it comes to Rick Dyer, there's no shortage of stories and memories. His life was as vibrant as the cars he loved, and his legacy lives on through the streets and the hearts of those who knew him. Dyer was not just a racer; he was a force to be reckoned with, a true icon of the pro street scene. His 8-second street cars and those of his CARS Inc. teammates were the envy of the nation, capable of both show-stopping beauty and lightning-fast speeds. But it was his personality and the memories he created that truly made him special.

Rick Dyer - A Man, His Cars, and Unforgettable Moments

The Pro Street Royalty

In the coming days, there will be a plethora of writeups and videos dedicated to Rick Dyer. He lived life with a passion that was unmatched, whether it was on the race track or at a party. His street race cars were not just for show; they were driven often and were some of the cleanest in the country. Alongside his fellow CARS Inc. racers, they became symbols of the sport, showing that street cars could be both fast and beautiful. Dyer and his team were the most famous Fastest Street Car Competitors, always drawing a crowd wherever they went.

But Dyer's fame was not just about his cars. It was about the memories he created and the people he touched. I had the privilege of hanging out with him and experiencing some of the fun he had. Meeting him through my buddy Chuck Schroedl was a highlight, as these two pro street brothers had shared countless races, magazine road trips, and events together.

One of my favorite Dyer stories involves Chuck, David Freiburger, and a 1965 Impala SS. The Impala originally came with a 396 and a TH400, but it has been transformed into a beast. With a lot of tubing making up the chassis, a 540 cubic inch big block, and a 14-71 blower on top, it's a sight to behold. And let's not forget that it runs on methanol! The headers exit just behind the front tires and aim out at a 45-degree angle, adding to the car's unique look and sound.

The Impala Adventure

I remember the day Chuck and Dyer unloaded their cars at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino before the SEMA Show in 2007. Freiburger and I stopped by to say hello and check out the cars. Freiburger knew Dyer from all the magazine stories and races, but he had never seen Chuck's Impala in its current form.

I suggested that Chuck take Freiburger for a ride around the block in the Impala. But Chuck insisted that I take Freiburger instead. So, I jumped in, Chuck gave the hat a squirt, and I cranked up the engine. It was loud and smelled amazing. As we pulled out of the parking lot and cruised down the street, Freiburger's eyes started to water and he complained about the smell. But by the time we pulled up to the next light, he was fully in tears.

We continued our adventure, turning around and coming back to the parking lot. Chuck's trailer was waiting for us, and we laughed and carried on, listening to Dyer tell stories about similar shenanigans from the past. Dyer and Chuck both loved it, and it became a memory that will last a lifetime.

The Cop Encounter

There was more to the story than just the fun in the Impala. Dyer swore that after we left, the cops came up and asked if anyone had been driving the car. He told the cops that they were just show cars and didn't get driven, adding his own Dyer-esque twist to the situation. And then he laughed as the cops left.

That day will always be my favorite Dyer memory. His cars may no longer be on the streets, but his spirit lives on. He will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of racers.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FEATURE WE DID ON DYER’S CAMARO WHEN IT SOLD IN 2014