Dave initially started as a speedway racer before joining, like so many of his countrymen, the New Zealand-founded McLaren Grand Prix team as a mechanic. Dave moved up the ranks to become chief mechanic, factory manager, team manager and then finally sporting director. During his time there, Ryan oversaw over 150 wins and twelve Driver's Championship. After leaving McLaren, he set up his own team (Von Ryan, named after the film Von Ryan's Express, which earnt him his nickname whilst at McLaren) and the team competed in the Blancpain Series, amongst others. However in 2016, Ryan took up a role as a team principal for Manor and put his team on hiatus. Manor collapsed in 2017 so Ryan's moved to pastures new in 2018 and became racing director of the new W Series, a single-seater series for women racers only. The series collapsed dramatically in 2022 and Ryan hasn't had another job in the sport since, however he still has ownership of the cars and maintains them in the hope they might be used elsewhere.

Biography last updated 5 Apr 2024