Did Ken Miles really slow down at Le Mans?

Jul, 22 2023

The Backdrop of Le Mans

Le Mans, in essence, is not just a car race; it's a legend. The legendary 24 hours of Le Mans race is one of the oldest and most prestigious automobile races in the world, known for testing the endurance and speed of both man and machine. It's a race where strategy, speed, and endurance all play a vital role. The 1966 Le Mans race is particularly famous, not just for the intense competition, but for the controversy involving one of the most famous racers of the time - Ken Miles.

Who was Ken Miles?

Ken Miles was a British-born American race car driver and engineer. He is most famous for his association with the Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby. Miles was a key figure in the development of the iconic Ford GT40, a car specifically designed to challenge the dominating Ferrari at Le Mans. His contributions to the automotive world were not just limited to his driving skills. He was known for his technical acumen and ability to provide detailed feedback, helping to improve the performance of the cars he drove.

The Ford vs Ferrari Rivalry

The 1960s was a time of intense rivalry between Ford and Ferrari. Ferrari had been dominating Le Mans, winning year after year. Ford, under the leadership of Henry Ford II, was desperate to break this streak. The Ford GT40 was the result of this ambition, and Ken Miles was at the center of its development and testing. This was a battle not just of speed, but of egos and national pride.

The 1966 Le Mans Race

The 1966 Le Mans race is one of the most controversial in its history. Ford had entered multiple GT40s, with Ken Miles driving one of them. Miles had been leading the race, but in the final hours, he was instructed by Ford executives to slow down and let the other Ford cars catch up. The idea was to create a photo finish with three Ford cars crossing the finish line together.

The Controversial Decision

Ken Miles, a racer at heart, was not happy with the decision to slow down. He had been leading comfortably and was on track to win the race. But he complied with the order, slowing down and allowing the other Ford cars to catch up. This decision would prove to be controversial and would later be subject to much debate and scrutiny.

The Tragic Consequences

Despite slowing down, Ken Miles did cross the finish line first. But due to a technicality, he was not declared the winner. The race officials declared that the car driven by Bruce McLaren had covered a greater distance due to starting further behind on the grid. This decision was a huge blow to Miles, who had been on the verge of achieving a unique 'Triple Crown' of endurance racing.

Debate and Speculation

The decision to slow down Ken Miles and the subsequent decision to not declare him the winner caused a furore. Some believed that it was a tactical error on Ford's part, while others felt that it was a deliberate move to ensure a Ford win, irrespective of the driver. This debate has raged on for years, with no definitive conclusion.

The Legacy of Ken Miles

Despite the controversy, Ken Miles is remembered as one of the best race car drivers of his time. His skills, both as a driver and engineer, were instrumental in the development of the Ford GT40. His contribution to Ford's eventual dominance at Le Mans is undeniable.

Conclusion

Did Ken Miles really slow down at Le Mans? The answer is yes. But the reasons for doing so and the consequences of that decision are subject to much debate and speculation. It's a story of competition, controversy, and ultimately, tragedy. But it's also a story of a man's passion for racing and his contribution to one of the greatest rivalries in automotive history.