Who really won 1966 Le Mans?
Indeed at the start of the race mclaren was one slot / space behind miles. This was all unbeknownst to the ford team. They were under the impression that miles had won the race, but mclaren was indeed declared the 1966 le mans winner. Ken miles was scored as finishing second. He had dominated the race but slowed to allow the other two team cars of mclaren and bucknum to catch up for a photo finish. The organizers awarded the win to mclaren because he had started farther back on the grid and had therefore traveled a greater distance during the race.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.Right as they were about to close the deal, Enzo Ferrari backed out because he didn’t want to relinquish control over his racing team. Enzo then insulted the company and turned around and sold major stock of Ferrari to Fiat. Ford sought revenge on the racetrack at the 24 Hour of Le Mans.
Did Shelby actually bet his company?
Ford Had No Problem With Miles Driving In ’66 Shelby is able to get around this due to a brave bet on Miles’ success in Daytona. In reality, this gambit never occurred, and Ford didn’t have so much of a problem with Miles. Oh, and Shelby never bet his business on Miles winning Daytona as part of a wager with Henry Ford II that would allow Miles to race in France.Never has. And then it won Le Mans, which I think was the biggest achievement of all. Winning Le Mans is more difficult than winning the Formula One world championship. And it was a bonus that we never intended to go racing with that car.
Did Carroll Shelby actually win Le Mans?
Carroll Shelby the Driver. The pinnacle of Shelby’s driving career came in 1959 when he won the crown jewel of international sports cars racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving an Aston Martin. A heart condition caused Shelby to retire from racing in 1960. In June 1959 Shelby and Roy Salvatori co-drove an Aston Martin DBR1 to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Shelby was the second U. S. American-born driver to win this race, after Phil Hill in 1958. However, by this time his heart problems had reemerged, and he suffered from acute chest pains (angina pectoris).