Early Years and Beginnings in Racing
Bruce Kessler, born on March 23, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, and raised in Beverly Hills, California, was the son of a clothing designer. His journey into the world of racing began in the early 1950s when, at the age of sixteen, he started racing his mother’s Jaguar XK120 in the Sports Car Club of America races. Kessler quickly made a name for himself on the road race courses at Paramount Ranch and Willow Springs in California. His early racing career was marked by his association with the Scarab race cars, built by his good friend Lance Reventlow, where he served as a team driver alongside Chuck Daigh in the late 1950s.
Major Successes and Highlights
Bruce Kessler’s racing career, though brief, was dotted with significant achievements. He made a notable entry into the World Championship Formula One Grand Prix at Monaco in 1958, driving a Connaught owned by Bernie Ecclestone. Although he failed to qualify, he posted the 21st fastest time among 28 entrants. Kessler’s prowess was further highlighted when he, alongside Reventlow, won the International Grand Prix at Riverside, California, beating the famous driver Phil Hill in a Ferrari. His skill and reputation earned him an invitation to drive at Le Mans. Additionally, Kessler became a class winner at the “12 hour Florida International Grand Prix of Endurance for the AMOCO Trophy” in 1958, driving a Ferrari 250 GT LWB.
Life and Legacy After Racing
After a serious crash at the 1959 Examiner Grand Prix in Pomona, California, which resulted in days in a coma, Bruce Kessler retired from racing. He then transitioned into a successful career in film and television direction. Kessler directed several TV series and films, including ‘The Monkees’, ‘The Flying Nun’, and ‘Mission: Impossible’. His last directing credit was for the series ‘Renegade’. Beyond his film career, Kessler was also a world-class skeet and trap shooter. Today, he is retired and resides in Marina Del Rey, California.
Career Stats
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | WDC Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Bernie Ecclestone | Connaught Type B | Alta Straight-4 | NC | 0 |