Harry Blanchard

Harry Blanchard (6 June 1930 - 31 January 1960): American racing driver from Erie, Pennsylvania, who competed primarily in sports car racing before a tragic fatal accident ended his promising career. Began his racing career competing in sports cars throughout the United States during the 1950s, quickly establishing himself as a competent driver in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) events. Made his Formula One World Championship debut and sole championship appearance at the 1959 United States Grand Prix at Sebring, Florida, on 12 December 1959. Drove a Porsche RSK Formula 2 car in the inaugural United States Grand Prix, invited to participate with his sports car to help fill the grid for the new American Formula One race.

Finished seventh in the race, completing the distance four laps behind winner Bruce McLaren, achieving a classified finish in his only World Championship appearance. Scored no championship points from his Formula One start (points extended only to fifth place in 1959). Throughout 1959, achieved considerable success in North American sports car racing, winning races and establishing his reputation. Partnered with Roger Penske to win the O'Keefe Sundown Grand Prix at Harewood Acres, Canada, covering 254 laps in a Porsche RSK to victory in a 50-car field.

Finished third at the non-championship 1959 Watkins Glen Grand Prix, demonstrating his road racing abilities on one of America's premier circuits. Became a class champion in 1959, capping off what appeared to be a breakthrough season that would launch his career to greater heights. Tragically killed on 31 January 1960 at the Buenos Aires 1000 Kilometres race in Argentina, just seven weeks after his Formula One appearance. Sharing a Porsche 718 RSK with German driver Wolfgang Seidel, crashed violently on the opening lap of the race.

The Porsche somersaulted multiple times in a horrific accident, ejecting Blanchard from the car and killing him at age 29. His death robbed American sports car racing of a rising talent who had just begun establishing himself on the international stage. The Buenos Aires crash demonstrated the extreme dangers of 1960s motorsport when safety equipment was primitive and accidents frequently proved fatal. Blanchard's brief career showed promise that was never fulfilled, his single Formula One appearance and 1959 sports car success hinting at potential that was extinguished on a Buenos Aires circuit.

Remembered as one of many talented American sports car drivers whose careers were cut short by the brutal realities of 1960s racing safety.