23 cars with about 12,000 horsepower start down the hill. McLaren leads Hulme, Motschenbacher, Surtees and Parsons.
Mid Pack, George Eaton leading Jerry Titus, Fred Baker and Joe Leonard
George Eaton is alongside Joe Leonard with Oscar and Jacques Couture behind.
A bit farther back are Rich Galloway 27, George Dollsam #84 and Fred Baker #29
Bruce McLaren has a lot to be happy about. They were 1st and 2nd a week ago at Mosport and have locked out the front row.
Denny “the bear” Hulme also looks happy. It was his turn to win and he did exactly that. Another 1-2 for Team McLaren
Dan Gurney in his full face helmet. Gurney’s McLeagal broke in practice and Dan did not start. Gurney introduced the full face in 1968 at the Indy 500.
Chuck Parsons looks pleased. Mark Donohue shook his car down in practice and Parsons put it 5th on the grid.
Lothar Motschenbacher was the quickest independent, qualifying 3rd and finishing 4th in his McLaren.
John Surtees was back for his 3rd season in CanAm in a new McLaren prepared by Jim Hall’s Chaparral team. John would qualify 4th drop out 2/3rds through the race.
Canadian John Cannon in the Young American Mk6 McLaren blew his engine in practice and had no replacement. Cannon was a very quick driver in CanAm, F5000 and an occasional Indy race. We remember him starting in an Elva courier.
Hugh Powell, who had family money, in his new Lola 160. Hugh qualified 12th and finished 11th.
Indy veteran Joe Leonard looks at the camera. Leonard was in a McKee powered by a turbocharged Olds. Ralph Salyer put the deal together.
The irrepressible and remarkable Oscar Koveleski looks at timing sheets while his son Bobby checks his camera. Oscar’s McLaren’s broke his suspension on the 1st lap.
What me worry? The bear loved his naps and didn’t stress over driving the fastest racing cars on earth.
Chuck Parsons is happy, and he should be with finishing 3rd.
In this photo Dan Gurney sits in Chuck Parsons #10 Lola with Teddy Mayer, chief of McLaren, looking in. Where was Carl Haax who was the Lola importer?
The winner Denny Hulme in his Team McLaren Mk 8B. When you speak of domination - 1969 was all Team McLaren as the Bruce & Denny show won every race.
Bruce McLaren in his Mk 8B finished 2nd just a few seconds behind team mate Denny Hulme
Lothar Motschenbacher (try spelling that one a dozen times) in the McLaren 12. Lothar was a great competitor and known as the Best of the Rest. Most always the quickest McLaren independent.
Joe Leonard in the McKee drove to 8th. Leonard was a true racer winning on motorcycles and cars. The guy was twice AMA Grand National motorcycle champ and twice USAC champ. Smokin Joe was a complete racer.
Canadian Geroge Eaton of the wealthy Eaton department store family was also a very solid race driver. George would qualify 6th and finish 7th in his M12 McLaren.
Hugh Powell had a nice race finishing 11th in his Lola 160.
Dick Brown in his McLaren 6B. A privateer, Brown and his wife were the entire team Green. Brown dropped out after only 14 laps.
Yes this is Parson’s Lola but it is Mark Donohue driving. Donohue went out in practice in the car. Donohue’s Lola wasn’t ready and a deal was made for him to do some laps.
Bob Nagel Lola T-70. Nagel was a stalwart USRRC/CanAm competitor from the north east. Nagel was a WWII pilot who ended up being the Westinghouse corporate pilot.
Gurney’s double wing McLeagel in practice. It was hard to say if the design was fast or if it was all Gurney. The car never started.
BARC member and talented Oscar Koveleski.did not have a good weekend, but the car, prepared by BARC member Jack Deren was always well presented.
Len Faustina in the #96 Lola T-70 waves winner Denny Hulme past. Faustina crashed on lap 17.
The CanAm always attracted great looking women. We don’t know who they are, but Spankey did.
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