Jack Ensley was an American businessman and sports car driver who raced through the 1950s and 1960s. A determined privateer with an entrepreneurial spirit, Ensley balanced life in business with a deep commitment to motorsport.
| Nationality | American |
|---|---|
| Born | 17 October 1906 Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Died | 13 January 1972 (aged 65) Indianapolis, Indiana, United States |
Ensley made his mark primarily in sports car racing, becoming a familiar name in the SCCA National Sports Car Championship, where he competed regularly throughout the decade. Known for his steady, competitive driving style and well-prepared machines, he embodied the independent racer’s ethos—funding his own efforts and racing for the love of the sport rather than glory alone.
In 1958 and 1959, Ensley set his sights on the Indianapolis 500, attempting to qualify a Kurtis Kraft car for the legendary race. He fell short of making the grid on both occasions.
After more than a decade behind the wheel, Ensley retired from competition in 1969, closing out a chapter that had spanned some of the most exciting years in American motorsport. A few years later, he passed away from cancer at the age of 65.
Jack Ensley Formula One World Championship career
| F1 Career | 1958–1959 |
|---|---|
| Teams | Kurtis Kraft |
| Entries | 2 (0 starts) |
| Championships | 0 |
| Wins | 0 |
| Podiums | 0 |
| Career points | 0 |
| Pole positions | 0 |
| Fastest laps | 0 |
| First entry | 1958 Indianapolis 500 |
| Last entry | 1959 Indianapolis 500 |
Jack Ensley Teammates
| 3 drivers | Involvement | First Year | Last Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Bisch | 1 | 1958 | |
| Elmer George | 1 | 1958 | |
| Eddie Russo | 1 | 1959 |
Jack Ensley Complete Formula One Results
| Year | Entrant | Team | WDC Points | WDC Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 | Ansted Rotary | Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser | 0 | NC |
| 1959 | McKay’s Bulldog | Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser | 0 | NC |
