Biography
Ronnie Bucknum was one of America’s true motor-racing pioneers, a driver whose career bridged the formative years of post-war sports-car racing and the modern era of Formula One and endurance competition.
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He began racing in the early 1950s on the Southern California sports-car circuit, campaigning a Porsche Speedster when European machinery was still rare on American grids. Self-taught and technically gifted, Bucknum quickly developed a reputation for extracting speed from anything he drove.
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His talent carried him to the world stage in the 1960s, when he became the first driver for Honda's Formula One program, racing the RA272 and RA273 during the sport’s most dangerous era and helping open the door for U.S. drivers in Grand Prix competition.
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Alongside Formula One, Bucknum built a successful endurance-racing career, including multiple appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1966, he was part of the legendary Ford GT40 podium sweep, finishing third overall as Ford claimed first, second, and third in its historic victory over Ferrari.
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From a Porsche Speedster on California road courses to Formula One grids and the podium at Le Mans, his career stands as a lasting testament to American skill, determination, and ambition on the world stage.
Ronnie Bucknum became Honda’s first Formula One driver in 1964, making his Grand Prix debut at the legendary Nürburgring and helping launch the manufacturer’s historic entry into top-level international racing, establishing a lasting foundation for Honda’s future success in Formula One competition.
Ronnie Bucknum finished third overall at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, as Ford achieved its legendary 1–2–3 sweep with the GT40 in a decisive victory over Ferrari. The historic result stands as one of the most iconic moments in endurance-racing history and secured Bucknum’s place on the podium in one of motorsport’s most celebrated races.
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