June 2nd marks the 40th anniversary of the death of McLaren founder Bruce McLaren, who was killed on a summer's day, just like today, testing a McLaren Can-Am car at Goodwood.

To mark the occasion, at 3.15pm this afternoon the team invited the whole company to assemble in the McLaren Technology Centre boulevard for a minute's silence in the Kiwi's memory, followed by a minute of glorious noise while the ear-splitting 8.0-litre Chevrolet V8 in the back of one a classic M8D Can-Am car was revved.

Tyler Alexander, who worked with Bruce during those halcyon early years, was present to view proceeding, as was executive chairman Ron Dennis.

"The 40th anniversary of Bruce McLaren's death gives us the opportunity to reflect on his legacy, and to appreciate just how much of his original vision still lives on within our team," said Martin Whitmarsh.

"Bruce made his name not only as a skilled and disciplined racing driver, but also as a pragmatic engineer with the inspiration, vision and determination to take on and beat the greatest teams in motorsport.

"It's an ethos that still holds true to this day, and one which Ron was careful to foster and promote when he assumed control of the team in 1980. Through Ron's guidance and stewardship, McLaren remains a company that is passionate about technology and engineering, and which is set apart by its keen sense of competition, attention to detail and desire to be the best.

"Bruce's values have seen us maintain a winning legacy throughout six decades of competition, and have rewarded us with victories in the Formula 1 world championship, the North American Can-Am series, the Indy 500, Formula 5000 and the Le Mans 24 Hours. Winning will always be central to the McLaren DNA.

"We are honoured to uphold the McLaren name. And, for many millions of people around the world, the name McLaren is motor racing - there can be no greater testament to Bruce than that."

A wonderful way to mark the 40th anniversary of the death not only of the team's founder but a man who gave so much to motor sport.