Ken Miles’ Greatest Triumph: 1966 Le Mans

From 1958 to 1963, Ken Miles achieved an extraordinary record, securing victory in an astounding 38 out of 44 races he participated in. During this period, he also took on a part-time role with the Sunbeam distributor Rootes. It wasn’t long before Carroll Shelby recognized Miles’ exceptional talent, inviting him to test and race the iconic Cobra. This legendary partnership, filled with thrilling moments and high-speed feats, was vividly portrayed in the 2019 film Ford vs Ferrari. Additionally, Ken Miles played a pivotal role in the development of the Sunbeam Tiger for the Rootes Group. 

Ken Miles continued to amaze with his racing skills and expertise, contributing significantly to Shelby’s achievement of the 1964 USRRC constructors’ title. In a remarkable display of skill, he claimed victory alongside Lloyd Ruby in the 1965 Daytona Continental 2000 km and secured a notable second place with Bruce McLaren in a GT40 at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. Adding to his list of triumphs, Miles emerged victorious at Laguna Seca while behind the wheel of a Cobra.

Ken Miles’ greatest triumph came at Le Mans in 1966. Driving the Mk II GT40s, Ken Miles alongside Bruce McLaren/Chris Amon, dominated the racetrack. Miles found himself in the lead while driving the #1 car. However, Ford Motor Company executive Leo Beebe wanted a publicity photo to capture a memorable photo of three Ford cars crossing the finish line in unison, and instructed Miles to slow down. Miles agreed and all Ford cars crossed the line together. At first, French race officials agreed to Ford’s publicity photo, but later withdrew their agreement.  The photos show Miles’ #1 car and McLaren’s #2 car crossing the finish almost at the same time, but McLaren’s #2 car was slightly ahead upon closer inspection. In addition, McLaren’s #2 car began the race from the second position, meaning it covered an additional 8 meters in distance throughout the race.Regardless, the victory was awarded to McLaren’s #2 car, denying Ken Miles the exceptional feat of triumphing at Sebring, Daytona, and Le Mans in the same year.

Tragedy at Riverside International Raceway

The Ford J-car was conceived as the heir to the Ford GT40 Mk II, and despite grappling with reliability issues, it displayed promise during the Le Mans trials in the spring. However, tragedy struck in April when Walt Hansgen lost his life while testing a J-car at Le Mans. Following this tragic incident, Ford made the decision to set aside the J-car project and concentrate on the well-established Mk IIs. Subsequently, there was minimal progress in terms of development for the remainder of the 1966 World Sports Car Championship season.

It wasn’t until August 1966 that Shelby American resumed testing and enhancement efforts, with Ken Miles assuming the role of the primary test driver. After nearly a day after testing, Ken Miles lost his life during a test run of a J-Car at the Riverside circuit in California. The Ford he was driving catapulted off a steep bank at an astounding speed of 200 mph, rolling multiple times before ejecting Miles from the vehicle on its third revolution. The car subsequently burst into flames. Ford conducted a thorough investigation into the crash, blaming it on mechanical failure. The sudden, tragic event greatly shocked the racing community. At Ken Miles’ funeral, the gathering numbered more than 400 mourners. Among those paying their respects were Carroll Shelby himself, Otto Zipper, and a host of former teammates who had shared the racetrack with Miles.

Ken Miles’ Legacy

“There’s a point – 7000 RPM – where everything fades. When your seeing becomes weightless, just disappears. And all that’s left is a body moving through space and time. 7000 RPM that’s where you meet it. Can I ask you a question? The only question that matters. Who are you?“

Caroll Sheby (portrayed by Matt Damon) in Ford vs Ferrari (2019)

Ken Miles stands as a true icon of innovation and racing ingenuity with unyielding passion for racing. His extraordinary racing career, punctuated by countless victories and innovative contributions to the field, earned him a place among the pantheon of racing legends. But Ken Miles was more than just a skilled driver; he was a mechanical genius and a relentless pursuer of innovation. His legacy lives on not only in the wins and records but also in the inspiration he continues to provide to generations of racing enthusiasts and engineers. Ken Miles, the man who pushed the boundaries of speed and engineering, will forever be remembered as a true pioneer of the sport.