Introduction: The Legend of Ken Miles and the 1966 Le Mans Race
Ken Miles is a legendary figure in the world of motorsports, and his performance at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is arguably one of the most controversial and debated moments in racing history. The question that has persisted for decades is whether or not Ken Miles really slowed down at Le Mans, allowing Ford teammate Bruce McLaren to take the victory. In this article, we'll dive deep into the events of that fateful day and explore the different perspectives surrounding the race.
Setting the Stage: Ford vs. Ferrari Rivalry
In the early 1960s, the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari was in full swing. Henry Ford II was determined to beat Enzo Ferrari at his own game, winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. To do this, Ford set out to build a car that could rival the Ferrari machines that had dominated the race for years. This led to the creation of the Ford GT40, a car designed specifically with Le Mans in mind.
The 1966 race was especially important for Ford, as the company had experienced a series of humiliating defeats in previous years. With their reputation on the line, Ford set its sights on a victory at Le Mans, assembling a team of experienced drivers, including British racing driver Ken Miles and New Zealander Bruce McLaren.
Ken Miles: The Man Behind the Wheel
Ken Miles was already a well-respected driver by the time he joined the Ford team for the 1966 Le Mans race. Born in Birmingham, England, Miles had a passion for racing from a young age. He served as a tank commander during World War II, and after the war, he began racing motorcycles and cars. His talent quickly became apparent, and he began to establish himself as one of the top drivers in the world.
By the time he joined Ford, Miles had already earned a reputation for his incredible skill and determination on the track. He was instrumental in the development of the GT40, and his input greatly contributed to the car's eventual success.
The Controversial Finish: What Really Happened?
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans was a grueling race, with Ford and Ferrari battling it out for supremacy. As the race neared its end, it became clear that Ford had secured the top three positions. Ken Miles was leading the race, with teammates Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme close behind.
It was at this point that Ford's management made the controversial decision to have all three cars cross the finish line simultaneously, in an attempt to create a memorable photo finish. Miles, who was ahead by a significant margin, was instructed to slow down and allow McLaren and Hulme to catch up. The three cars crossed the finish line together, but the race officials declared McLaren the winner, as he had started the race further back on the grid and therefore covered a greater distance.
The Aftermath: Debates and Speculations
The result of the 1966 Le Mans race has been the subject of intense debate ever since. Many people believe that Ken Miles was robbed of his rightful victory, as he had dominated the race and followed the instructions of Ford's management. Others argue that it was a legitimate decision, as the race was ultimately about showcasing the dominance of Ford over Ferrari, rather than individual glory.
Ken Miles himself was reportedly devastated by the outcome, as he had been so close to achieving a rare "triple crown" of endurance racing victories, having already won the Daytona 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring earlier that year. Tragically, Miles would never have another chance to claim victory at Le Mans, as he died in a testing accident just two months after the race.
Evaluating the Evidence: Did Ken Miles Slow Down?
There is no doubt that Ken Miles slowed down during the final moments of the 1966 Le Mans race, as he was following the instructions given to him by Ford's management. The real question is whether this decision was fair, and whether it robbed Miles of a well-deserved victory.
Many people believe that Miles should have been declared the winner, as he had led the race for the majority of the 24 hours and had only slowed down at the behest of his team. Others maintain that the decision was in line with the overall goals of Ford, which were to showcase their dominance over Ferrari and create a memorable finish for the historic race.
Legacy of Ken Miles and the 1966 Le Mans Race
Despite the controversy surrounding the 1966 Le Mans race, there is no denying the incredible impact that Ken Miles and the Ford GT40 had on the world of motorsports. The race marked the beginning of Ford's dominance at Le Mans, as they went on to win the race for the next three consecutive years. Additionally, the story of Ken Miles and Ford's battle against Ferrari has inspired countless fans and even a feature film, "Ford v Ferrari."
Ken Miles's legacy as a skilled and dedicated driver continues to live on, and his contributions to the development of the Ford GT40 have left an indelible mark on racing history.
Conclusion: A Moment Frozen in Time
Ultimately, whether or not one believes that Ken Miles was robbed of his victory at the 1966 Le Mans race is a matter of personal opinion. What is undeniable, however, is the incredible skill and determination that Miles displayed on the track, as well as the lasting impact of his contributions to racing history. The story of Ken Miles, Ford, and the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans will continue to captivate and inspire racing fans for generations to come.
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