Burness’ first big splash came helping George Follmer build and campaign the Lotus 23-Porsche with which they won the 1965 USRRC championship.
Photo: Bob Tronolone
Bruce Burness is one of those multi-talented behind-the-scenes players who lend so much richness to the world of motorsports, possessing not only the gift of clarity when working on the cars, but the enduring competitive spirit so common among those who make a difference in our sport. His secret seems to be a fundamental understanding of the essential principles that govern motorized travel, allowing him to apply that understanding to any situation that may arise to create the best possible solution to whatever problem might present itself. His experience includes winning efforts in road racing with sports and formula cars, Indycars, motocross and even stock cars, among others. VR Associate Editor John Zimmermann recently sat down with Burness to discuss his experiences in the sport, and given the extensive reach of his career we will present this interview in two parts, of which this is the first.
Bruce Burness Photo: John Zimmermann
When did you first discover you possessed mechanical aptitude?
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