Who was Ken Miles? Ken Miles was a British-American racing driver who was known for his success in sports car racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Miles was born in England in 1918. He began his racing career in the late 1940s, and quickly rose through the ranks. In 1955, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with co-driver John Fitch. Miles also had a successful career in Formula One, and he finished second in the 1966 Formula One World Championship.
Miles was known for his aggressive driving style and his willingness to take risks. He was also a skilled engineer, and he often helped to develop the cars that he raced. Miles was killed in a crash at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was 47 years old.
Miles is considered to be one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991.
Ken Miles
Ken Miles was a British-American racing driver who is considered to be one of the greatest of all time. He was known for his success in sports car racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Driver: Miles was a highly skilled and aggressive driver who was known for his ability to push cars to the limit.
- Engineer: Miles was also a talented engineer who often helped to develop the cars that he raced.
- Innovator: Miles was always looking for new ways to improve performance, and he was responsible for a number of innovations in racing technology.
- Champion: Miles won numerous races throughout his career, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
- Legend: Miles is considered to be one of the greatest racing drivers of all time, and he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1991.
Miles' career was tragically cut short when he was killed in a crash at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was 47 years old. Despite his untimely death, Miles remains one of the most iconic and respected figures in the history of motor racing.
| Name | Ken Miles |
|---|---|
| Born | November 1, 1918 |
| Died | August 17, 1966 |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Occupation | Racing driver |
| Teams | Shelby American, Ford |
| Major wins | 24 Hours of Le Mans (1966) |
Driver
Ken Miles was one of the most successful and respected racing drivers of his generation. He was known for his aggressive driving style and his willingness to take risks. Miles was also a highly skilled engineer, and he often helped to develop the cars that he raced.
Miles' driving skills were evident from a young age. He began racing motorcycles at the age of 15, and he quickly moved up to car racing. In 1955, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with co-driver John Fitch. Miles also had a successful career in Formula One, and he finished second in the 1966 Formula One World Championship.
Miles' aggressive driving style was often controversial, but it was also effective. He was known for his ability to push cars to the limit, and he was often able to overtake other drivers on the track. Miles' willingness to take risks also paid off, as he was often able to win races that other drivers would not have attempted.
Miles' driving skills and engineering expertise made him one of the most successful racing drivers of his time. He was a true pioneer in the sport, and he helped to pave the way for future generations of drivers.
Engineer
Ken Miles was not only a skilled driver, but also a talented engineer. This combination of skills gave him a unique advantage in the world of motor racing.
- Design and Development: Miles was involved in the design and development of several successful racing cars, including the Ford GT40. He was able to use his engineering expertise to improve the performance and handling of these cars.
- Problem Solving: Miles was also a skilled problem solver. He was able to quickly identify and fix mechanical problems, which often gave him an edge over his competitors.
- Innovation: Miles was always looking for new ways to improve performance. He was responsible for a number of innovations in racing technology, including the use of lightweight materials and aerodynamic design.
- Teamwork: Miles was a valuable member of any racing team. He was able to work with other engineers and drivers to develop and improve cars.
Miles' engineering skills were a major factor in his success as a racing driver. He was able to use his knowledge and experience to develop cars that were faster, more efficient, and more reliable than those of his competitors.
Innovator
Ken Miles was not only a skilled driver and engineer, but also a true innovator. He was always looking for new ways to improve performance, and he was responsible for a number of innovations in racing technology.
- Lightweight materials: Miles was one of the first drivers to use lightweight materials in his cars. This helped to reduce the weight of the cars, which made them faster and more efficient.
- Aerodynamic design: Miles was also a pioneer in the use of aerodynamic design. He developed a number of innovative aerodynamic features that helped to improve the handling and stability of his cars.
- Engine development: Miles also worked on the development of new engine technologies. He was one of the first drivers to use fuel injection in a racing car, and he also helped to develop the Ford GT40's powerful V8 engine.
- Safety features: Miles was also concerned with safety, and he developed a number of safety features for racing cars. These features included the roll cage and the fire extinguisher.
Miles' innovations had a major impact on the sport of motor racing. He helped to make cars faster, more efficient, and more reliable. He also helped to improve safety for drivers and spectators.
Champion
Ken Miles was one of the most successful racing drivers of his generation. He won numerous races throughout his career, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Miles' success was due to a combination of factors, including his skill as a driver, his engineering expertise, and his innovative spirit.
Miles' driving skills were evident from a young age. He began racing motorcycles at the age of 15, and he quickly moved up to car racing. In 1955, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with co-driver John Fitch. Miles also had a successful career in Formula One, and he finished second in the 1966 Formula One World Championship.
Miles' engineering expertise was another key factor in his success. He was involved in the design and development of several successful racing cars, including the Ford GT40. Miles was able to use his engineering knowledge to improve the performance and handling of these cars.
Miles was also a pioneer in the use of new technologies. He was one of the first drivers to use lightweight materials and aerodynamic design in his cars. Miles also worked on the development of new engine technologies, including fuel injection.
Miles' success as a racing driver had a major impact on the sport of motor racing. He helped to make cars faster, more efficient, and more reliable. He also helped to improve safety for drivers and spectators.
Legend
Ken Miles was a true legend in the world of motor racing. He was one of the most successful and respected drivers of his generation, and he played a major role in the development of the sport.
Miles' success was due to a combination of factors, including his skill as a driver, his engineering expertise, and his innovative spirit. He was a pioneer in the use of new technologies, and he helped to make cars faster, more efficient, and more reliable.
Miles' induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America is a testament to his greatness. He is one of only a few drivers to have received this honor, and it is a fitting tribute to his contributions to the sport.
Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers today. He is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for racing.
FAQs about Ken Miles
Ken Miles was a British-American racing driver who is considered to be one of the greatest of all time. He was known for his success in sports car racing, particularly in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Question 1: What was Ken Miles' greatest achievement?
Ken Miles' greatest achievement was winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. He co-drove the Ford GT40 Mk II to victory with Bruce McLaren.
Question 2: What was Ken Miles' driving style like?
Ken Miles was known for his aggressive driving style. He was always pushing the limits and was not afraid to take risks. He was also a very skilled driver and was able to control his car even at high speeds.
Question 3: What was Ken Miles' role in the development of the Ford GT40?
Ken Miles played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40. He was one of the test drivers for the car and helped to improve its performance and handling. He also provided valuable feedback to the engineers who were designing the car.
Question 4: Why was Ken Miles not allowed to win the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans?
There is some controversy surrounding the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ken Miles was leading the race in the final lap when he was ordered to slow down and allow his teammate, Bruce McLaren, to win. Ford wanted to ensure that an American driver won the race, and McLaren was American.
Question 5: How did Ken Miles die?
Ken Miles died in a crash during a test drive at Riverside International Raceway on August 17, 1966. He was 47 years old.
Question 6: What is Ken Miles' legacy?
Ken Miles is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of all time. He was a pioneer in the sport and helped to develop many of the technologies that are used in racing today.
Ken Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers today. He is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for racing.
If you are interested in learning more about Ken Miles, there are a number of resources available online and in libraries.
Conclusion
Ken Miles was a true pioneer in the world of motor racing. He was a skilled driver, a talented engineer, and a true innovator. Miles played a major role in the development of the Ford GT40, and he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers today.
Miles' story is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a passion for racing. He is an inspiration to us all to follow our dreams and to never give up on our goals.
