Going Full Circle With Ryan Edwards
Rolling Passion Into A Career At Raceline Wheels
Story By: Jessica Tiller
Photos: Provided By Ryan Edwards
Starting with the Yamaha Rhino, dubbed the “original golf-cart”, and carrying on to today’s RZRs, Mavericks, Talons, and Velocities, Ryan Edwards has been a part of the evolution of the side by side since day one. See what he has to say about the start and what he hopes for the future.
Ryan first got into off-roading at 8-years-old. “I got my first dirt bike for Christmas and that was the start of this crazy adventure,” recalled Ryan. Within that first year, they were making frequent trips to the desert and started racing. Growing up riding and racing, he knew that he wanted to make his passion his career. “My first real job in the industry was working for Pro Circuit in 2006.” The relationships and friendships built while at Pro Circuit led him to an opportunity with ITP Tires. Ryan started working for ITP Tires in 2009. “That was the boom of the Yamaha Rhino and I was the only person in the office who had any interest in these ‘golf carts’ and pushing to make tires for them, so I became the UTV guy.” ITP Tires was the leader in the UTV market for aggressive off-road tires. Since then, many other tire manufactures have followed suit and stepped up manufacturing their own versions of UTV tires.
In 2015, Ryan made the transition from tires to wheels and started working for Raceline Wheels. When asked what he does there, he laughed, “I have 95 different jobs,” he laughs. “My technical job title is UTV Race Support, but there isn’t anything I won’t do or assist with if it benefits the growth of the company.” Ryan is the go-to guy when it comes to setting up new teams with Raceline’s sponsorship program and assisting with building wheel packages catered to the teams’ needs and driving style. He also attends the races, as well as other events and tradeshows, on behalf of the company as a representative and ambassador. You can often find him at the SCORE and Best in the Desert races as well as King of the Hammers. When asked what he loves most about his job, he responded by saying “I love being able to be involved with the industry and something that I’m passionate about. If I wasn’t working here, I’d probably be miserable at a desk job.” Since Ryan’s start at Raceline Wheels, they have been on the forefront of UTV and Truck wheels, signing teams such as the Murrays and Sara Price. As one of the title sponsors of the SCORE series in Baja, they have seen a significant growth in brand recognition and sales.
Apart from working in the industry, Ryan also enjoys racing. “My top two moments in this industry are being able to race in the SCORE races in a UTV. It has always been a childhood dream of mine to race SCORE and now I am,” expressed Ryan. “I’ve seen this industry grow to where it is now. I’ve had first hand experiences with it. Watching and contributing to its growth from the Rhino to the RZRs and X3s we race today has really been awesome.” And the second, “getting to share my passion with my family and friends.” Going to the races and out to ride is a lot more fun and exciting with family there with you, and UTVs make that more accessible.
And what does someone who has been there from the start hope for the future of side by sides? “I really hope the industry keeps growing and that we continue to keep the product lines filled with good quality and reliable products.” He believes in the importance of quality and really listening to the consumers needs and feedback in order to improve the products offered.
“I think my personal goal is to represent Raceline Wheels the best way that I can and help contribute to its continued success.” This type of mentality and drive is what keeps the UTV market moving forward and upward. We really can’t ask for anything more!
