Ken Miles: The Best Driver Ever Who Left His Mark On Motorsport History

Martina DuBuque 24 May 2025

When you talk about legendary drivers, Ken Miles is a name that deserves to be at the top of the list. This guy wasn’t just fast—he was a genius behind the wheel, an engineer, and someone who truly lived for the love of racing. Ken Miles didn’t just race cars; he rewrote the rules of how racing could be done. So if you're wondering why Ken Miles is considered the best driver ever, buckle up because we’re diving deep into his incredible story.

Now, before we hit the gas on this journey, let me tell you something. Ken Miles wasn’t just another pretty face in the racing world. This guy had a brain that worked like a Ferrari engine—fast, efficient, and always ready to push boundaries. His legacy isn’t just about winning races; it’s about the passion, dedication, and sheer talent that made him stand out in an era where legends were born every day.

So, whether you’re a die-hard motorsport fan or someone who just loves hearing about epic stories of triumph and tragedy, this article is for you. We’ll take a look at Ken Miles’ life, his achievements, and why he deserves the title of the best driver ever. Let’s get started, shall we?

Ken Miles: A Brief Biography
Early Life and Introduction to Motorsport
Racing Career: The Rise of a Legend
Ken Miles and the Ford GT40: A Perfect Match
The 1966 Le Mans Triumph
A Tragic End to a Glorious Career
The Legacy of Ken Miles
Ken Miles vs. Other Great Drivers
Impact on Modern Motorsport
Conclusion: Why Ken Miles is the Best Driver Ever

Ken Miles: A Brief Biography

Ken Miles was born on February 18, 1918, in Birmingham, England. He grew up with a love for machines and speed, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already tinkering with engines and dreaming of racing glory. But life wasn’t all smooth sailing for Ken. He faced challenges, from financial struggles to personal losses, but nothing ever stopped him from pursuing his passion.

Let’s break it down a bit more with some key facts about Ken Miles:

Born	February 18, 1918, Birmingham, England
Died	July 17, 1966, at the age of 48
Occupation	Racing Driver, Engineer, and Mechanic
Notable Achievements	Won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, Set numerous records in endurance racing
Legacy	Considered one of the greatest drivers in motorsport history

Ken Miles wasn’t just a driver; he was a man who lived and breathed motorsport. His life was a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets talent.

Early Life and Introduction to Motorsport

Growing up in England, Ken Miles didn’t have the easiest start in life. But his fascination with machines and speed was evident from a young age. He used to spend hours in his father’s garage, learning about engines and how they worked. By the time he was in his teens, he was already building his own bikes and cars.

In the 1930s, Ken started competing in local races, and it wasn’t long before people noticed his incredible talent. His ability to understand the mechanics of a car and how to get the best out of it set him apart from other drivers. It was during this time that Ken developed his reputation as a driver who could fix a car as well as he could race it.

How Did Ken Miles Get Into Racing?

Ken’s entry into professional racing wasn’t straightforward. After World War II, he moved to the United States, where he found more opportunities to race and work on cars. It was during this period that he started making a name for himself in the motorsport world. His first big break came when he joined Shelby American, a team that would change the course of his career forever.

Racing Career: The Rise of a Legend

Ken Miles’ racing career wasn’t just about winning races; it was about pushing the limits of what was possible. He competed in some of the toughest races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Daytona Continental, and the Sebring 12 Hours. And let me tell you, this guy didn’t just compete—he dominated.

Here are some of the highlights of Ken Miles’ racing career:

1964: Won the Daytona Continental with Carroll Shelby’s team.
1965: Set a new record at the 12 Hours of Sebring.
1966: Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, cementing his place in motorsport history.

But it wasn’t just about the wins. Ken Miles was known for his ability to adapt to different types of cars and tracks, making him one of the most versatile drivers of his time.

What Made Ken Miles Unique?

Ken Miles wasn’t just a driver; he was an engineer who understood the intricacies of a car’s mechanics. This gave him an edge over other drivers, as he could tweak and adjust his car to perform at its best. His knowledge of engineering and his fearless driving style made him a force to be reckoned with on the track.

Ken Miles and the Ford GT40: A Perfect Match

When Ford decided to take on Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, they knew they needed someone special to make it happen. Enter Ken Miles. This guy was instrumental in developing the Ford GT40, a car that would go on to dominate endurance racing.

Ken’s role wasn’t just as a driver; he was also heavily involved in the development and testing of the GT40. His input was crucial in turning the GT40 from a promising prototype into a race-winning machine. And let’s not forget, Ken was the first person to drive the GT40 to victory in a major race, setting the tone for what was to come.

Why Was the Ford GT40 So Important?

The Ford GT40 was more than just a car; it was a symbol of Ford’s determination to beat Ferrari. And Ken Miles played a huge part in making that happen. His expertise and dedication were key to the GT40’s success, and his legacy lives on in every Ford GT that hits the road today.

The 1966 Le Mans Triumph

When Ken Miles and the Ford GT40 won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, it wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. This race was a turning point in motorsport history, and Ken Miles was at the heart of it all.

But here’s the thing: Ken didn’t just win the race; he dominated it. He set a new lap record and was leading the race until… well, we’ll get to that part later. For now, let’s just say that Ken Miles’ performance at Le Mans was nothing short of legendary.

What Made the 1966 Le Mans Race Special?

This race wasn’t just about winning; it was about proving that Ford could take on Ferrari and win. And Ken Miles was the man who made it happen. His skill, determination, and sheer willpower were on full display during those 24 hours, and it’s a performance that will never be forgotten.

A Tragic End to a Glorious Career

Unfortunately, Ken Miles’ story didn’t have a happy ending. Just weeks after his victory at Le Mans, Ken was testing a new version of the Ford GT40 when a catastrophic failure caused him to crash. He died instantly, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire generations of drivers.

It’s a tragic end to a glorious career, but Ken’s impact on the world of motorsport will never be forgotten. His passion, talent, and dedication continue to inspire drivers around the world.

What Can We Learn from Ken Miles’ Tragic End?

Ken Miles’ death was a reminder of the dangers of motorsport, but it also highlighted the importance of safety in racing. His legacy lives on not just in the records he broke, but in the lessons he taught about the importance of safety and preparedness on the track.

The Legacy of Ken Miles

Ken Miles may have passed away over 50 years ago, but his legacy continues to inspire drivers and engineers around the world. His contributions to the world of motorsport go far beyond the races he won; they extend to the way he approached racing as both an art and a science.

Here are some of the ways Ken Miles’ legacy lives on:

His influence on car design and engineering continues to shape modern vehicles.
His dedication to safety and performance has inspired countless drivers and engineers.
His story has been immortalized in films like “Ford v Ferrari,” introducing his legacy to a new generation.

Why Is Ken Miles Considered the Best Driver Ever?

Ken Miles is considered the best driver ever because of his combination of skill, knowledge, and passion. He wasn’t just a driver; he was a complete package who could fix a car, drive it to victory, and inspire those around him. His legacy continues to grow, and his impact on the world of motorsport is undeniable.

Ken Miles vs. Other Great Drivers

When you compare Ken Miles to other great drivers, it’s hard not to see why he stands out. Sure, there have been plenty of talented drivers over the years, but few have combined the skill, knowledge, and passion that Ken brought to the track.

Here’s how Ken Miles stacks up against some of the other greats:

Juan Manuel Fangio: While Fangio had more wins, Ken’s engineering expertise set him apart.
Ayrton Senna: Senna’s skill on the track was unmatched, but Ken’s versatility made him a complete driver.
Jim Clark: Clark was a master of adaptability, but Ken’s ability to engineer his own success was unique.

What Sets Ken Miles Apart?

Ken Miles wasn’t just a driver; he was a complete package. His ability to understand and improve the cars he drove set him apart from other drivers. He wasn’t just about winning races; he was about pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

Impact on Modern Motorsport

Ken Miles’ impact on modern motorsport can still be felt today. His approach to racing as both an art and a science has influenced countless drivers and engineers. His legacy lives on in the cars we drive, the races we watch, and the passion we have for motorsport.

Here are some ways Ken Miles has impacted modern motorsport:

His emphasis on safety and performance continues to shape the way cars are designed and raced.
His story has inspired a new generation of drivers and engineers to pursue their passions.
His legacy continues to grow through films, books, and documentaries that tell his incredible story.

How Has Ken Miles Changed the Game?

Ken Miles changed the game by showing that racing wasn’t just about driving fast; it was about understanding the car, the track, and the conditions. His approach to racing as a science has influenced the way modern drivers and engineers think about the sport.

Conclusion: Why Ken Miles is the Best Driver Ever

So, there you have it—the incredible story of Ken Miles, the best driver ever. From his early days in England to his triumphs at Le Mans, Ken Miles lived a life that was as fast and

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