Dick Brannan

Ever since that fateful day—Oct. 10, 1901—when Henry Ford defeated Alexander Winton on a 1-mile racecourse in Grosse Point, Michigan, Ford Motor Company products have always been in the winner’s circle. This was particularly true in the ‘60s when Ford’s Total Performance Program included NASCAR, Indy, road racing, international sports car racing and drag racing, all managed by Ford Racing czar Charlie Gray. Each program had its own team coordinator, and for the drag racing program, Richard H. “Dick” Brannan was the man.

Born in Tennessee, Dick was an only son. You might say that he was born with Blue Oval blood in his veins, as his father was a car salesman at the local Ford dealership. Later on, Dick’s father moved his family to South Bend, Indiana, where Dick graduated from Central High School. His first car when he was 16 was a ‘32 Ford three-window coupe.  Brannan attended Tri-state University, Angola in northeastern Indiana where he majored in mechanical engineering and business. Already a licensed pilot and a member of the Navy Reserves, upon graduation, he received pilot training in Pensacola, Florida, achieving the rank of Lieutenant JG, USNR. While still in the Navy, Brannan became interested in drag racing. When he was discharged, Dick joined Romy-Hammes Ford as a salesman where owner Hammes and his son Jerry fully supported Dick’s racing endeavor.

Subject ID: 35045

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Ever since that fateful day—Oct. 10, 1901—when Henry Ford defeated Alexander Winton on a 1-mile racecourse in Grosse Point, Michigan, Ford Motor Company products have always been in the winner’s circle. This was particularly true in the ‘60s when Ford’s Total Performance Program included NASCAR, Indy, road racing, international sports car racing and drag racing, all managed by Ford Racing czar Charlie Gray. Each program had its own team coordinator, and for the drag racing program, Richard H. “Dick” Brannan was the man.

Born in Tennessee, Dick was an only son. You might say that he was born with Blue Oval blood in his veins, as his father was a car salesman at the local Ford dealership. Later on, Dick’s father moved his family to South Bend, Indiana, where Dick graduated from Central High School. His first car when he was 16 was a ‘32 Ford three-window coupe.  Brannan attended Tri-state University, Angola in northeastern Indiana where he majored in mechanical engineering and business. Already a licensed pilot and a member of the Navy Reserves, upon graduation, he received pilot training in Pensacola, Florida, achieving the rank of Lieutenant JG, USNR. While still in the Navy, Brannan became interested in drag racing. When he was discharged, Dick joined Romy-Hammes Ford as a salesman where owner Hammes and his son Jerry fully supported Dick’s racing endeavor.

After starting with Ford Motor Company, he went to work for the engineering center in Building One, later they moved to Building Three. His group was eventually transferred to the third floor of the prestigious Ford Division World Headquarters. They remained there throughout his employment where they designed, developed, and launched all the racing car programs. Initially that even included Indy car engine research and development. That program was eventually transferred to another office, leaving their department with the Grand National (NASCAR), Drag Racing and Le Mans development programs. His immediate supervisor was Charles E. Gray Jr.; John Cowley was his boss.

Subject ID: 35045

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