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Bud Ekins finished 6th in the 1952 British Grand Prix, making him the only American to score points in the World Championship for nearly 20 years. Does anyone know the story here? How is he never brought up when we talk about the pioneers of American motocross?
Wasn't he the stuntman on The Great Escape? You know Harvey Mushmans friend?
4 time gold medalist in the 6 day trials, numerous gp's, desert racing wins etc.
https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/our-story/cultural-icons/bud-ekins
I wasn't even born yet when that photo was taken.
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From my recollection he was a good friend of Steve McQueen's. He would pick up McQueens bikes and gear and bring it to the desert so they could race. McQueen would drive separately throw off the Lloyds of London insurance people.
Bud was a badass. I believe he had a dealership in the LA area. I had a Bud Ekins vintage plate on my Triumph Bonneville. And as someone has said earlier, he did do stunts and was the helmetless rider who jumped a really heavy war era bike over a fence in The Great Escape, which for those who have not seen it you should, Awesome true store movie
My Grandpa's best friend. His dealership was on the corner of Ventura and Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks. Used to go there as a kid when my Grandparents would watch me during the week. I wish I was old enough to actually appreciate it back then.
That is so cool to have grown up in those times, what a fun childhood for you. I had an old Triumph Bonneville and saw one of his old dealer plates on eBay and wanted it so bad I paid $245 to get it. I have so much respect for the way those old guys could ride those tanks off road
He also drove the Mustang in Bullitt. Steve did some, Bud did most of it
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