The 1966 Le Mans race is one of the most iconic races in motorsports history. It was the 34th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, held on June 18th and 19th, 1966. The race was a battle between Ford and Ferrari, two of the most prominent car manufacturers in the world at the time. It was a race that would forever change the course of motorsports history. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at who won the 1966 Le Mans and the events that led up to the victory.
The Battle Between Ford and Ferrari
The 1966 Le Mans race was a battle between two iconic car manufacturers, Ford and Ferrari. Ford had been trying to beat Ferrari at Le Mans for years, but they had always fallen short. In 1966, Ford was determined to win, and they put together a team of some of the best drivers in the world, including Ken Miles, Bruce McLaren, and Chris Amon. Ferrari, on the other hand, had won the race six times in a row and was confident in their ability to continue their winning streak.
The race began with Ferrari taking an early lead, but Ford quickly caught up and took the lead in the third hour of the race. The two teams continued to exchange blows throughout the race, with both sides experiencing mechanical issues and driver errors. However, it was clear that Ford had the edge, and they were leading the race heading into the final hours.
The Controversial Finish
As the race entered its final hours, it became clear that Ford was going to win. However, there was still one more controversy to come. Ford had entered three cars into the race, and the drivers of two of those cars, Ken Miles and Bruce McLaren, were leading the race. However, Ford wanted to stage a photo finish, with all three of their cars crossing the finish line at the same time. To do this, they instructed Miles to slow down and let the third Ford car catch up.
Miles, who was known for his competitive spirit, was unhappy with this decision. He wanted to win the race outright, and he felt that slowing down would be a betrayal of the sport. However, he reluctantly agreed to slow down and let the third car catch up. As the three Ford cars crossed the finish line, it was unclear which car had won the race. In the end, it was determined that the car driven by Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon had won, with Ken Miles finishing in second place.
The Legacy of the 1966 Le Mans
The 1966 Le Mans race was a turning point in motorsports history. It was the first time that an American car had won the race, and it marked the beginning of the end of Ferrari’s dominance at Le Mans. The victory was a significant moment for Ford, and it gave them the confidence to continue pushing the boundaries of motorsports technology. Today, the 1966 Le Mans race is remembered as one of the greatest moments in motorsports history, and it continues to inspire new generations of racers and fans alike.
In conclusion, the 1966 Le Mans race was a historic moment in motorsports history. It was a battle between two iconic car manufacturers, Ford and Ferrari, and it marked the beginning of a new era in motorsports. The controversial finish only added to the excitement of the race and ensured that it would be remembered for years to come. While there may be some debate over who truly won the race, there is no denying the impact that it had on the world of motorsports.
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