CAN-AM: The Speed Odyssey (2008), Ardennes Productions, 94 minutes

CAN-AM McLarens 1969-1971 (2004), Auto World Racing Team, autoworldmobilia, 60 minutes

It’s another double-feature for the month of August. This time we’re reminiscing about the incredible racing series known as the CAN-AM, or more formally known as the Canadian-American Challenge Cup. CAN-AM: The Speed Odyssey and CAN-AM McLarens 1969-1971 feature archival footage from the golden age of sports car racing in North America. This was, in essence, an unrestricted series, governed under FIA Group 7 regulations. It was virtually unrestricted with regard to engine, chassis, or aerodynamic specifications. It gave teams the freedom to innovate and push the limits of racing.

CAN-AM: The Speed Odyssey is a historical summary of the series which ran from 1966 to 1974. Sam Posey (race car driver) and Jim Hall (car designer/driver) narrated the film, drawing upon first-hand experience and involvement with the legendary series. Can-Am attracted the top names of road racing from around the world — among them Bruce McLaren, Denny Hulme, Peter Revson, Mark Donohue, Jackie Stewart, and Mario Andretti. These great drivers battled each other behind the wheel of some of most advanced cars of the time — from Lola and Chaparral to McLaren and Porsche. Word quickly spread and record crowds came out to witness this incredible racing spectacle.

CAN-AM McLarens 1969-1971 is a documentary that focuses on the Auto World Racing Team and is narrated by Oscar Koveleski (driver) and Jack Deren (lead mechanic). The team fielded a McLaren M6B in 1969 and a McLaren M8B in the 1970 and 1971 seasons and sported the fan-favorite livery featuring slot car track style racing stripes around their orange car. Koveleski never challenged for a championship, but his racing insight, along with Deren’s, provided an entertaining glimpse of what it was like in the highly competitive Can-Am series.

As a kid who was captivated by the Can-Am series, the #54 Auto World car was one of my favorites. Also, Auto World was the go-to source for scale models, slot cars, and accessories. The shelves in my room were lined with plastic scale models of NHRA dragsters and funny cars, Can-Am McLarens, Chaparrals, and Shadows. I even had the Koveleski #54 McLaren M6B HO slot car. It was unbeatable. Those were the days!

I enjoyed this trip down racing’s memory lane and hope you do too.

TJ…2026