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How McLaren recovered from its greatest tragedy

The tragic death of Bruce McLaren could have initiated his young team's demise. But remarkably, and inspired by Bruce's own determination and grit, they gathered themselves and pushed on to greater glory, says DAMIEN SMITH

Wednesday 3 June 1970. The day after. On the Tuesday, this tight-knit team had lost their founder, their totemic inspiration, the upbeat, energetic, beloved lifeforce from which grand ambitions had been born.

Bruce McLaren had died instantly when his new Can-Am M8D shed its rear bodywork on the Lavant Straight at Goodwood and smashed into a marshals' post. The impact shattered the hearts of his young family; the same was true for the band of brothers at his team, who had followed him without question. Now what?

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