John Buffum

Competitor, Car Owner
CLASS OF 2018

In the world of road course & rally racing, there are few who compare to John Buffum. He was successful in every position he held in motorsports. The was a part of no less than 55 national championships, including 24 as a driver.

Born in Wallingford, CT and raised by his mother & grandmother after his father was killed during World War II, Buffum became the most accomplished U.S. rally driver in history. His records include 117 victories in 5 different countries and 11 National SCCA Pro Rally Championships. From 1977 to 1980, he won both the SCCA ProRally series and the North American Rally Championships.

While maintaining a busy schedule thoughout North America, he would often compete in Europe as well. In 1983, he won the Sachs Rally in West Germany to become the first american to win an European Rally Championship event. He would also win the Cyprus Rally in 1984.

He also had an undefeated season in SCCA Pro Rally during 1987. Buffum is the only driver to compete in at least one World Rally Championship event in 5 straight decades (1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s 1990’s, 2000’s).

In addition to his driving career, he was a successful car owner, car builder and a mentor to such drivers as Paul Choinier and Travis Pastrana. Buffum also built and maintained a Mitsubishi EVO X Rally car for Antoine L’Estage and together they won 5 Canadian National Championship, 1 Rally America Championship and 6 straight North American Rally Championships (2009-2014).

He served as SCCA Pro Rally Series manager from 1988-1992, and President of the American Rally Association in 1994-1995. He also helped revive the Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race in 1990 and served as Chief Steward of the event from 1990-2000, 2011 and again in 2017.

In addition to the NEAR Hall of Fame, Buffum is an inductee of the Road Racing Driver’s Club, Sports Car Club of America Hall of Fame, Off Road Motorsports Hall of Fame and Vermont Sports Hall of Fame.