The CanAm series begins to grow. From its start in 1966 the CanAm had 4 races a year. For 1969 that schedule nearly doubled to 11 races. Michigan International was the 8th race held on September 28. While not a superb track, it was the first to use a combination of banked oval and road course. The ‘69 season was not competitive as the McLaren team of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme won all 11 races. Porsche broke out a special 917PA for Joe Siffert, Lola advanced with a new T163, Ford appeared with its G7A and Ferrari brought a big motor 612 for Chris Amon. But nothing could touch the orange crush McLarens.