Death of Founder Bruce McLaren (1970)
Founded by Bruce McLaren in 1963, the team entered Formula One in 1966 and won its first Grand Prix in 1968.
Bruce McLaren started Bruce McLaren Motor Racing in 1963 and the team first entered Formula One in 1966. Teddy Mayer took over direction of the group following McLaren's death while testing a Can-am series car in 1970.
Quick Facts
- Name
- Bruce Leslie McLaren
- Role
- Founder
- Chief Designer
- and Driver
- Date of death
- June 2, 1970
- Location
- Goodwood Circuit, West Sussex, England
- Circumstance
- Testing the M8D Can-Am car
- Legacy status
- Irreplaceable Founder
Reader's Guide
The team's first F1 race win occurred in 1968 when Bruce McLaren won the non-championship Race of Champions at Brands Hatch driving a McLaren M7A Ford. Later that year the team scored its first Grand Prix win when Bruce McLaren took the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Bruce McLaren within the context of the team's history?
Bruce Leslie McLaren served as the founding visionary, lead engineer, and active driver for McLaren Racing until his life ended during a test session.
When and where did the fatal accident occur?
The tragedy happened on June 2, 1970, at the Goodwood Circuit in West Sussex, England, while McLaren was piloting the M8D Can-Am vehicle.
How did this event impact McLaren Racing immediately?
The sudden loss removed the organization's creative and competitive core, threatening its survival just as the team was positioned to secure another championship title.
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