Ken Miles – Racing Legend and Ford GT40 Hero
If you love fast cars and daring drivers, Ken Miles is a name you’ve probably heard in the same breath as the Ford GT40. Born in 1919 in England, Miles grew up tinkering with engines and racing on local tracks. By the time he hit the United States, he was already known for turning modest cars into race‑winning machines. His blend of engineering skill and fearless driving made him a standout in the 1960s motorsport scene.
Early Life & Rise in Racing
Ken’s first real break came when he moved to California after World War II. He joined the burgeoning American sports car community, working as a mechanic for small teams while entering club races on weekends. His knack for tweaking suspension and engine setups gave him a competitive edge, and soon he was beating seasoned pros in events like the SCCA races at Riverside.
What set Miles apart wasn’t just raw speed; it was his scientific approach. He’d spend hours with a stopwatch, noting how a slight change in tire pressure could shave tenths off lap times. That attention to detail caught the eye of Carroll Shelby, who was building a factory‑backed effort to challenge European dominance.
Ken Miles and the Ford GT40 Triumph
In 1964, Ford hired Miles to develop the GT40 for the Le Mans endurance race. While the car looked beautiful on paper, it was temperamental on the track. Ken’s job was to make it reliable enough to run 24 hours straight. He pushed the prototype to its limits, often staying overnight in the garage to fine‑tune the gearbox and aerodynamics.
The payoff came in 1966. During the famous 24‑Hour Le Mans showdown, Miles led the race in a GT40 Mk II, breaking lap records and putting Ford in a commanding position. A controversial decision by race officials denied him the outright win, but the performance cemented his legacy. The GT40 went on to claim five straight Le Mans victories, a streak that began with Miles’ relentless development work.
Ken’s impact didn’t stop at Le Mans. He later helped Ford dominate the 1967 Daytona 24‑Hour race, again proving his ability to turn a car into a relentless machine. Sadly, his life was cut short in a testing crash at Riverside in August 1966, but the stories of his skill and passion live on.
For fans looking to explore more about Ken Miles, here are a few related reads from MotoSport Courier Hub:
- “Motorsports: Is MotoGP more dangerous than Formula 1?” – A quick dive into risk factors across top‑level racing.
- “Which car is faster, a Formula 1, a NASCAR, or an IndyCar?” – Compare speed stats with insights on track dynamics.
- “How many formula racing exists?” – Learn about the different tiers of formula competition.
Ken Miles remains a symbol of what you can achieve when you combine engineering know‑how with a fearless driving style. Whether you’re a die‑hard gearhead or just curious about racing history, his story shows why the GT40 era still sparks excitement today.
Despite his exceptional driving skills, Ken Miles didn't clinch the top spot at Le Mans in 1966 due to a controversial decision by Ford. The company wanted a photo-finish with their three cars crossing the line together. Even though Miles was ahead, he slowed down to join the formation, leading to Bruce McLaren being declared the winner due to starting further back. This decision has been debated for years, as many believe Miles deserved the first place. It's a poignant reminder of how corporate decisions can impact individual achievements in sports.
