Nausea in Japan

Three legends: Carroll Shelby, Roger Penske and driver Mark Donohue pictured here-above in 1968 (open to see it in full) pushing the dark blue Sunoco-liveried McLaren M6B before the Group 7 Sports Prototype race at Mount Fuji Speedway, Japan.

The World Challenge Cup Fuji 200 Mile Race organised by the NAC (Japan Auto Club) was the last race of the 1968 season. The fastest in the trials was Mark Donohue and his magnificent McLaren M6B-Chevy entered by Roger Penske, but the ambient humidity disrupted the engine’s functioning and in addition, Donohue complained of terrible nausea caused by the incredible acceleration of his car and the resulting G-forces.

In the race Mark Donohue was delayed by a fuel leak which sent unpleasant fumes into the cockpit and a fire, and it was Peter Revson (McLaren M6B-Ford) who won ahead of Sam Posey (Lola T160-Chevrolet).