<< Prev Page 2 of 2 McLaren's first Indy-racer was completed late in 1969 and shipped to Indianapolis for testing immediately. Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme both tested the car and they even received some advice from highly experienced Indy racer Bobby Unser. Denny averaged 168 mph on his fastest lap while Bruce got up to speed quickly and ran a 162 mph lap. For the race in May 1970, two new chassis were built for Denny and Chris Amon to drive. Splendidly finished the McLaren M15s were admired by all in the paddock.
Amon struggled at his Indy debut and requested to be replaced before qualifying. Soon after McLaren was down to no drivers as Denny was badly burned. One of the quick-release caps used to release air from the tanks while refueling had come loose. The 'Bear' was quickly soaked in methanol and braking only worsened the situation. Once the fuel hit the hot turbocharger, the car was engulfed in invisible flames. Hulme eventually jumped out at 70 mph. He suffered severe burns to the hands and for a while it was feared he'd loose some fingers.
Drafted in to replace the two men from New Zeeland were the young and upcoming Peter Revson and fellow American Carl Williams. Revson ran an impressive race until he was forced to retire and Williams did manage to cross the line, in ninth. The cars were rebuilt and entered in the inaugural California 500 at Ontario Motor Speedway. Revson inherited the lead late in the race but lost valuable time when his engine failed to start during he final pit stop. He finished fifth, one place behind Gordon Johncock in a privately entered M15.
With the death of Bruce McLaren the week after the difficult Indy 500 debut, it was an altogether devastating season for the McLaren team. They dealt with it all admirably well and Hulme provided some consolation by winning the Can-Am title despite his badly burned hands. The first year of Indy racing had taught the team valuable lessons, which were applied in the McLaren M16 that was readied for the 1971 season. It would go on to win the big race three times in the following years. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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McLaren's first Indy-racer was completed late in 1969 and shipped to Indianapolis for testing immediately. Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme both tested the car and they even received some advice from highly experienced Indy racer Bobby Unser. Denny averaged 168 mph on his fastest lap while Bruce got up to speed quickly and ran a 162 mph lap. For the race in May 1970, two new chassis were built for Denny and Chris Amon to drive. Splendidly finished the McLaren M15s were admired by all in the paddock.