Blackburn, Jim (Bunkie)
Credit: Daytona International Speedway
Name/Title
Blackburn, Jim (Bunkie)Entry/Object ID
2025.1.57Description
Jim “Bunkie” Blackburn was a North Carolina–born NASCAR Grand National driver whose career stretched from 1960 to 1970. He ran 71 Cup Series races, scoring 14 top‑tens and 4 top‑fives, and became known for raw speed, mechanical sympathy, and his long association with Smokey Yunick and Petty Enterprises. Blackburn was born April 22, 1936, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where his father owned the local dirt track — a background that shaped his early racing life. His career highlights include winning the 1968 Permatex 300 from pole during Daytona Speedweeks, earning induction into the Pure Darlington Record Club in 1964 for a record qualifying lap, and helping set a 174‑mph USAC/FIA world speed record at Bonneville in a Smokey Yunick Z‑28 Camaro in 1967. He nearly won the 1961 Dixie 400, taking over Junior Johnson’s car and leading with five laps to go before running out of fuel on the final lap. Blackburn retired after an injury and later worked for General Electric. He died February 28, 2006, at age 69.Collection
Dr. Frederick A. Simeone Founder CollectionCategory
Race Car Drivers