The first aircraft was built by M. Ricketts and after eighteen months of construction it was first flown in 1974, registered N73RL (c/n B15). Of conventional construction with all-wood wings and fabric covered fuselage, the single-seat aircraft was powered by one 55 hp Volkswagen VW1600 motor car engine.
N73RL took second and third places in the Formula V competition at the 1978 and 1979 Cleveland National Air Races respectively, and was used for aerobatic displays. Plans for amateur construction were marketed via Southern Aero Corporation of Miami Lakes, Florida, after 1983 via Charles Lasher. At least four Renegade I aircraft were completed in the USA: N73RL, N1031A, N35DE, and N64JM (designated Michalak R-1)."