Who actually won the 1966 Le Mans?
After some deliberation, the ACO declared that McLaren was the winner, citing the 24 hour nature of the race and that McLaren had travelled 25+ more feet than Miles. This was from the fact that McLaren had started the race at a farther distance than Miles. Additionally, McLaren’s #2 started in second position behind Miles’s car and had therefore covered 8 meters more distance during the race. Regardless of the reason, McLaren’s #2 was declared the winner with Miles denied the unique achievement of winning Sebring, Daytona, and Le Mans in the same year.After some deliberation, the ACO declared that McLaren was the winner, citing the 24 hour nature of the race and that McLaren had travelled 25+ more feet than Miles. This was from the fact that McLaren had started the race at a farther distance than Miles.They were under the impression that Miles had won the race, but McLaren was indeed declared the 1966 Le Mans winner. In a 1997 interview Shelby lamented the ACO made up rule and that indeed Ken Miles won the race and feelings of guilt about what had occurred.
Did Ken Miles really win Le Mans?
He is an inductee to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. As an automotive engineer, he is known for developing, along with driver and designer Carroll Shelby, the Ford GT40, the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, 1967, 1968, and 1969. In a dramatic turn of events, Enzo Ferrari abruptly backed out of the deal, and informed the delegates from Ford that he would never agree to such terms. It’s also rumored that Enzo personally insulted Hank the Deuce by claiming he would never live up to his grandfather’s legacy.Ford wanted to take full control of the road and race arms of Ferrari, and likely rebrand them. Enzo Ferrari wanted to keep control of the race team, and allow external investors to work on boosting the road car element. Enzo refused to let Ford take over his race team, so he walked away from the deal.ALFA ROMEO rejected Enzo #Ferrari for a job he applied. Enzo built Ferrari into a $79 billion brand. Ferruccio #Lamborghini gave few advice to Enzo about his cars and he mocked him.What really happened between Ford and Ferrari? In 1963, Ford tried to buy Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari rejected the deal, sparking a fierce rivalry. Ford responded by developing the GT40 to beat Ferrari at Le Mans, ultimately winning in 1966 and ending Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing.
Did Enzo Ferrari actually tip his hat to Ken Miles?
At Le Mans, Enzo stays with his pit crew through the entire length of the race note though this is Artistic License – History; in real life, Enzo Ferrari was never at that race and tips his hat for Ken Miles for being a Worthy Opponent. An understated moment when Enzo Ferrari acknowledges Ken Miles’ exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Despite the corporate politics that ultimately cost him the victory, Ferrari’s respect underscores the true spirit of racing beyond business rivalries.
Did Enzo Ferrari respect Ken Miles?
An understated moment when Enzo Ferrari acknowledges Ken Miles’ exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Despite the corporate politics that ultimately cost him the victory, Ferrari’s respect underscores the true spirit of racing beyond business rivalries. Ken Miles was as victorious behind the wheel as he was in his ability to develop iconic vehicles. He left behind a legacy of speed and precision and had a profound impact on the racecar world.British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford’s GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford’s J-Car later that year.