Legendary constructor Bruce McLaren has been inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The late Kiwi enjoyed four race wins in Formula 1, two Can-Am Series titles and also triumphed in the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours alongside fellow countryman Chris Amon in a Ford GT40.
McLaren, who died following a crash at Goodwood in 1970, also set up the McLaren racing team, which has become one of the most successful operations in global motorsport.
His Formula 1 team has captured eight constructors’ and 12 drivers’ championships, while scoring three Indy 500 wins during the 1970s.
“Even decades after his passing, the name Bruce McLaren instantly conjures up vivid memories for racing enthusiasts around the world,” said Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum historian Donald Davidson.
“Whether they be for his Formula One driving days; for his analytical approach to racing; his decision to start up his own marque, when he could well have continued to drive for other people.
“His utter dominance, along with fellow New Zealander Denny Hulme of the Can-Am series in the late 1960s; or for the legendary organisations he left behind which compiled multiple Formula 1 constructor championships and Indianapolis 500 wins.”
McLaren was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame alongside three-time Indy 500 winner and four-time IndyCar champion Dario Franchitti.
The pair were chosen by a panel of auto racing journalists, participants and historians from a ballot of 16 nominees, seven of whom received at least 50 percent of the vote.
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