On the Grid

Featured Photo:

1975 McLaren M23

On Display Now

1975 McLaren M23

The McLaren M23/9 represents the state of the art in Formula One technology and engineering in the mid-1970s. Powered by the famous Cosworth DFV V8 designed by Keith Duckworth, this car competed on the Grand Prix circuit from 1975 to early 1977. Two-time Formula One World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi won the 1975 Argentine and British Grand Prix races in this car. The win in Britain was the final time Fittipaldi would stand at the top of the podium in his Grand Prix career. James Hunt, the 1976 World Champion, won the non-points Race of Champions at Brands Hatch and the International Trophy at Silverstone in the same car. German driver Jochen Mass finished out the 1976 season in the McLaren with best finishes of third in the German Grand Prix and fourth at Watkins Glen in the United States Grand Prix.

The McLaren M23 is a spectacular-looking machine designed by brilliant engineers and driven by very brave men. In fact, it still competes (with gusto!) in Vintage events today… and it’s 46 years old! This car will be here through mid-September, come visit us!

1975 McLaren M23/9 History

January 12, 1975 – Argentine Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 1stJanuary 26, 1975 – Brazilian Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 2nd FR
March 1, 1975 – South African Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 19th UNC
March 16, 1975 – Brands Hatch (R.O.C.), driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 5thApril 27, 1975 – Spanish Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – DNS
May 11, 1975 – Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 2ndMay 25, 1975 – Belgian Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 7thJune 8, 1975 – Swedish Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 8thJune 22, 1975 – Dutch Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – Rtd. engine
July 6, 1975 – French Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 4thJuly 19, 1975 – British Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 1stAugust 3, 1975 – German Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – Rtd. suspension
August 17, 1975 – Austrian Grand Prix, driven by Emerson Fittipaldi – 9thMarch 14, 1976 – Brands Hatch (R.O.C.), driven James Hunt – 1st
March 28, 1976 – U.S. Grand Prix West, driven by James Hunt – Rtd. accident
April 11, 1976 – Silverstone, driven by James Hunt – 1st PP FL
May 2, 1976 – Spanish Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – FL Rtd. engine
May 16, 1976 – Belgian Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 6thMay 30, 1976 – Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 5thJune 13, 1976 – Swedish Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 11thJuly 4, 1976 – French Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 15thJuly 18, 1976 – British Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – Rtd.
August 1, 1976 – German Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 3thAugust 15, 1976 – Austrian Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 7thOctober 3, 1976 – Canadian Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 5thOctober 10, 1976 – U.S. Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – 4thOctober 17, 1976 – Japanese Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – Rtd. accident
January 9, 1977 – Argentine Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – Rtd. engine
January 23, 1977 – Brazilian Grand Prix, driven by Jochen Mass – Rtd. accident

Past Display Cars

When the founders of the International Motor Racing Research Center were working on the details for the new archival and research facility they knew they wanted the look and feel of a library. Some exhibit space was important, and, foremost, they envisioned space for a race car. Wide double doors have accommodated the rolling in and out of dozens of different cars since the IMRRC opened in June 1999. The cars are displayed for a few months, often complementing a Center Conversations talk or another event.

If you have an interesting race car you’d be willing to display at the IMRRC in Watkins Glen, NY, please email Kip Zeiter, the Coordinator of Visitor Services and Outreach.

Among the cars the IMRRC has hosted: