18 Captivating Facts About Ken Miles

Ken Miles was born on November 1, 1918.

Born on November 1, 1918, in Sutton Coldfield, England, Ken Miles developed a passion for racing at an early age.

He started his racing career in England.

Ken Miles began his racing career in his home country of England, participating in various motorsport events and earning a reputation as a skilled driver.

Miles relocated to the United States in 1952.

In 1952, Ken Miles made the bold decision to move to the United States in pursuit of greater opportunities in the world of racing.

He became a key figure at Shelby American.

Ken Miles played a pivotal role at Shelby American, working closely with Carroll Shelby and contributing significantly to the development and success of their racing program.

Miles was a test driver for Shelby American.

Known for his exceptional driving skills and technical expertise, Ken Miles served as a test driver for Shelby American, helping to fine-tune their iconic race cars.

He played a crucial role in the development of the Ford GT40.

Ken Miles played a crucial role in the development and testing of the Ford GT40, which eventually went on to secure victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Miles had an impressive racing record.

Throughout his career, Ken Miles achieved numerous victories and podium finishes in various racing events, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished drivers of his time.

His nickname was “Teddy.”

Ken Miles earned the nickname “Teddy” due to his teddy bear-like appearance and warm personality.

He was a skilled engineer.

Beyond his racing talents, Ken Miles possessed exceptional engineering skills, allowing him to make significant contributions to the design and development of race cars.

Miles had a competitive partnership with Carroll Shelby.

Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby formed a competitive partnership, pushing each other to achieve greater heights and revolutionize the world of motorsports.

He tragically lost his life.

On August 17, 1966, Ken Miles tragically lost his life while testing a prototype vehicle at Riverside International Raceway. His untimely death shocked the racing community.

Miles was posthumously inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America.

In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the world of racing, Ken Miles was posthumously inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001.

He had a son named Peter.

Ken Miles had a son named Peter, who later followed in his footsteps and became involved in the world of motorsports.

Miles was known for his attention to detail.

Ken Miles was renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, constantly striving for precision and perfection in all aspects of his racing career.

He was an accomplished mechanic.

In addition to being a talented driver and engineer, Ken Miles was also an accomplished mechanic, with a deep understanding of the technical inner workings of race cars.

Miles’s legacy continues to inspire.

Even decades after his passing, Ken Miles’s legacy continues to inspire aspiring racers and motorsport enthusiasts, reminding them of the passion, dedication, and bravery required to excel in the field.

His story was immortalized in the film “Ford v Ferrari.”

The intriguing story of Ken Miles’s partnership with Carroll Shelby and their quest for Le Mans victory was brought to the big screen in the 2019 film “Ford v Ferrari,” where he was portrayed by actor Christian Bale.

Ken Miles’s impact on motorsports is immeasurable.

From his incredible achievements on the track to his significant contributions to the world of race car engineering, Ken Miles’s impact on motorsports is truly immeasurable, solidifying his status as a legendary figure in the industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ken Miles was a remarkable individual whose impact on the world of motorsports cannot be overstated. His talent, determination, and passion for racing made him a legendary figure in the industry. From his involvement in the development of legendary cars like the Shelby Cobra and Ford GT40 to his remarkable achievements on the track, Miles left an indelible mark on the sport.

His untimely death may have cut short his racing career, but his legacy lives on. Ken Miles continues to be celebrated and remembered as one of the greatest drivers and automotive engineers of his time. His story serves as a testament to the power of passion, skill, and perseverance.

FAQs

Q: What are some of Ken Miles’ notable achievements in racing?

A: Ken Miles achieved numerous notable achievements in his racing career, including victories in the 12 Hours of Sebring and the Daytona Continental. He played a crucial role in the development of the Shelby Cobra and the Ford GT40, which went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Q: Was Ken Miles ever inducted into any hall of fame?

A: While Ken Miles was not inducted into any official motorsports hall of fame, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers and automotive engineers of his time. His contributions to the sport are revered by fans and professionals alike.

Q: Did Ken Miles have any involvement in the movie “Ford v Ferrari“?

A: Yes, Ken Miles’ life and career were prominently featured in the 2019 film “Ford v Ferrari.” The movie depicts his partnership with Carroll Shelby and their pursuit of victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Q: What is Ken Miles’ lasting legacy in the world of motorsports?

A: Ken Miles’ lasting legacy lies in his contributions to the development of iconic cars and his impressive racing record. His technical expertise and driving skills continue to inspire future generations of racers and engineers.

Q: What was the cause of Ken Miles’ untimely death?

A: Ken Miles tragically lost his life on August 17, 1966, during a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in California. The accident occurred while he was piloting the Ford J-car, leading to his untimely demise.