Future World Champion Mario Andretti made a spectacular Formula One debut by putting this well used Lotus 49B/R5 on the pole for the 1968 U.S. Grand Prix at Watkins Glen. All thoughts of winning were destroyed, however, on the thirty-third lap when Andretti retired from the race with a blown clutch. It is believed that the 1968 U.S. Grand Prix was the first race in which restraining belts were used by the Lotus team.