Gurney and his “McLeagle”

Dan Gurney races at the wheel of his McLaren M6B-Chevrolet, towards the third step of the podium at the Michigan International Speedway, eighth round of the 1969 Can-Am championship. Note that his factory McLaren is in the colours of AAR (All American Racers) which usually enters the Eagle, which will lead some to call it “McLeagle”.

The 1969 Can-Am championship was utterly dominated by the McLaren M8Bs powered by the 7-liter Chevrolet V8. Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme shared all the races, 11 wins in 11 events, and it was ultimately the boss, Bruce McLaren (picture-below), who clinched the title with a 5-point lead over his compatriot, the others having to settle for scraps.