Ken Bass took part in his first race as a novice on Silverstone's Club circuit, in a Jaguar MkII 3.8, 1963. He then continued with club racing using a variety of different cars. These included a shared Lotus 23 1100cc, a Merlyn F3 and a Brabham BT 23 1100cc.

Ken was an instructor for "Motor Racing Stables" alternating between Brands hatch and Mallory park. He then aquired the Merlyn Formula Ford Works Teanm with Tim Schenken driving for him. They notched up 47 wins in 1967/8.

In 1970 Ken drove as a private entrant in the 1970 World Cup Rally London to Mexico in a BMW 2002 Ti, classified 27.