Steve McQueen would have turned 86 years old today had mesothelioma not cut his life short in 1980. Mixed in with his acting career, McQueen had a passion for motorcycles and automobiles, evident in his film projects. While his motorcycle racing career was more extensive, he did compete in SCCA Club and Pro events. In 1970, he competed at the San Diego Region’s Holtville Nationals in an A Production Corvette, lapping all but one competitor in the field for a 58-second margin of victory.

The next month, McQueen teamed up with Peter Revson for the 12 Hour Endurance Race of Sebring. The pair took second overall to Ignazio Giunti and Mario Andretti, and first in the Sports Prototype class.

McQueen’s film Le Mans remains as a symbol of a man who loved both racing and acting.

Photos first published in SportsCar, 1970, Credit Joan Smith and Bob Gardner