When did Ken Miles die? Ken Miles, a renowned British racing driver, died on August 17, 1966, at the age of 47.
Ken Miles was a talented and successful driver who achieved significant victories throughout his career. He is best known for his association with the Ford Motor Company and his role in developing the Ford GT40, which famously defeated Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Miles played a crucial role in testing and refining the GT40, and he was widely regarded as one of the fastest drivers of his era.
Tragically, Miles died in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway just weeks before the 1966 Le Mans race. He was testing a J Car, a prototype for the GT40's successor, when the car veered off the track and crashed. Miles was killed instantly.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Ken Miles
| Name | Kenneth Henry Miles |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 1, 1918 |
| Birth Place | Sutton Coldfield, England |
| Death Date | August 17, 1966 |
| Death Place | Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Racing driver |
| Years Active | 1948-1966 |
| Teams | Shelby-American Inc., Ford Motor Company |
| Major Wins | 1965 24 Hours of Daytona, 1966 12 Hours of Sebring |
Importance and Legacy of Ken Miles
Ken Miles is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era. He was a talented and fearless competitor who achieved significant success in a relatively short career. Miles' death was a tragic loss to the world of motorsports, but his legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike.
Miles' story has been told in several books and films, including the 2019 film "Ford v Ferrari," which starred Christian Bale as Miles. The film helped to raise awareness of Miles' achievements and his role in the Ford GT40's victory at Le Mans.
Ken Miles was a true pioneer in the world of motorsports. His skills, determination, and passion for racing continue to inspire drivers and fans around the world.
When Did Ken Miles Die
Ken Miles, a renowned British racing driver, died on August 17, 1966, at the age of 47. His death was a tragic loss to the world of motorsports, and his legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike.
- Date: August 17, 1966
- Age: 47
- Location: Riverside International Raceway, Riverside, California
- Cause of Death: Testing accident
- Legacy: One of the greatest racing drivers of his era, played a crucial role in the development of the Ford GT40 and its victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Memorial: Inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001
Ken Miles' death was a reminder of the dangers of motorsports, but it also highlighted his bravery and determination. He was a true pioneer in the world of racing, and his legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans around the world.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Ken Miles
| Name | Kenneth Henry Miles |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | November 1, 1918 |
| Birth Place | Sutton Coldfield, England |
| Death Date | August 17, 1966 |
| Death Place | Riverside, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Racing driver |
| Years Active | 1948-1966 |
| Teams | Shelby-American Inc., Ford Motor Company |
| Major Wins | 1965 24 Hours of Daytona, 1966 12 Hours of Sebring |
Date
The date August 17, 1966, is significant in the context of "when did Ken Miles die" because it marks the day of his tragic death. Miles, a renowned British racing driver, was killed in a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in California.
- The Testing Accident
On August 17, 1966, Miles was testing a J Car, a prototype for the Ford GT40's successor, when the car veered off the track and crashed. Miles was killed instantly.
- The Loss to Motorsports
Miles' death was a major loss to the world of motorsports. He was a talented and successful driver who had achieved significant victories throughout his career. His death cut short a promising career and deprived the sport of one of its most gifted drivers.
- The Legacy of Ken Miles
Despite his untimely death, Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike. He is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era, and his contributions to the sport are still celebrated today.
The date August 17, 1966, is a reminder of the dangers of motorsports, but it also highlights the bravery and determination of Ken Miles. He was a true pioneer in the world of racing, and his legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans around the world.
Age
The age of 47 is significant in the context of "when did Ken Miles die" because it highlights the relatively young age at which he passed away. Miles, a renowned British racing driver, died on August 17, 1966, at the age of 47.
Miles' death was a tragic loss to the world of motorsports. He was a talented and successful driver who had achieved significant victories throughout his career. His death cut short a promising career and deprived the sport of one of its most gifted drivers.
The fact that Miles died at the relatively young age of 47 underscores the dangers of motorsports. Racing is an inherently dangerous sport, and even the most experienced drivers are not immune to accidents. Miles' death is a reminder that even the best drivers can be taken from us too soon.
Despite his untimely death, Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike. He is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era, and his contributions to the sport are still celebrated today.
Location
The location of Ken Miles' death, Riverside International Raceway in Riverside, California, is significant for several reasons.
- The Testing Accident
Miles was testing a J Car, a prototype for the Ford GT40's successor, at Riverside International Raceway when the car veered off the track and crashed. Miles was killed instantly.
- The Safety Concerns
Riverside International Raceway was known to be a dangerous track, with several fatal accidents occurring there over the years. The track's high-speed layout and lack of adequate safety features were contributing factors to these accidents.
- The Legacy of Ken Miles
Miles' death at Riverside International Raceway has left a lasting legacy in the world of motorsports. His death helped to raise awareness of the dangers of racing and led to improvements in safety standards at racetracks around the world.
The location of Ken Miles' death is a reminder of the dangers of motorsports, but it also highlights the importance of safety in racing. Miles' death helped to make the sport safer for drivers and fans alike.
Cause of Death
The cause of Ken Miles' death, a testing accident, is a significant aspect of "when did Ken Miles die" as it highlights the inherent dangers of motorsports and the tragic circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Miles was testing a J Car, a prototype for the Ford GT40's successor, at Riverside International Raceway on August 17, 1966, when the car veered off the track and crashed. Miles was killed instantly.
Testing accidents are a common occurrence in motorsports, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including mechanical failure, driver error, and track conditions. In Miles' case, the exact cause of the accident was never determined.
Miles' death was a reminder of the dangers of motorsports, and it led to improvements in safety standards at racetracks around the world. Today, racetracks are designed with more safety features, and drivers are required to wear more protective gear.
The cause of Ken Miles' death is a sobering reminder of the risks that drivers face when they compete in motorsports. However, it is also a reminder of the importance of safety in racing, and the progress that has been made in making the sport safer for drivers and fans alike.
Legacy
Ken Miles' legacy as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era, and his crucial role in the development of the Ford GT40 and its victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, is inextricably linked to the tragic circumstances of his death on August 17, 1966.
- Racing Accomplishments
Miles' racing accomplishments, including his victories at the 1965 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring, solidified his status as one of the top drivers of his era. His role in developing the Ford GT40, which culminated in its historic victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, further cemented his legacy as a racing legend.
- Unfulfilled Potential
Miles' untimely death at the age of 47 cut short a promising career and deprived the world of motorsports of one of its most gifted drivers. His death robbed him of the opportunity to achieve even greater success on the track and to further enhance his legacy.
- Inspiration and Legacy
Despite his untimely demise, Miles' legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike. His story is a reminder of the dangers of motorsports, but it is also a testament to the human spirit and the pursuit of excellence. Miles' contributions to the sport are still celebrated today, and his name remains synonymous with greatness.
Ken Miles' legacy as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era is forever intertwined with the tragedy of his death. However, his accomplishments on and off the track continue to inspire and motivate drivers and fans around the world.
Memorial
Ken Miles' induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001 serves as a fitting tribute to his legacy as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era. This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional accomplishments on the track, including his victories at the 1965 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1966 12 Hours of Sebring, as well as his crucial role in the development of the Ford GT40 and its historic victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Miles' induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for racing. It is also a recognition of his contributions to the sport, both on and off the track. Miles was a pioneer in the development of new racing technologies, and he was always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others.
The fact that Miles was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame posthumously is a reminder of the tragic circumstances surrounding his death in 1966. However, his legacy continues to inspire drivers and fans alike. Miles' induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his greatness, and it ensures that his name will forever be remembered in the annals of motorsports history.
FAQs about "When Did Ken Miles Die"
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Ken Miles' death, offering concise and informative responses to common queries and misconceptions.
Question 1: What was the exact date of Ken Miles' death?
Ken Miles died on August 17, 1966, at the age of 47, as a result of a testing accident at Riverside International Raceway in California.
Question 2: What were the circumstances surrounding Ken Miles' death?
Miles was testing a J Car, a prototype for the Ford GT40's successor, when the car veered off the track and crashed. The exact cause of the accident was never determined.
Question 3: What was Ken Miles' legacy and impact on motorsports?
Miles is remembered as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era, playing a crucial role in the development of the Ford GT40 and its victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was posthumously inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001.
These FAQs aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding Ken Miles' death, highlight his significant contributions to motorsports, and preserve his legacy as a legendary racing driver.
Conclusion
Ken Miles' untimely death on August 17, 1966, remains a significant event in the history of motorsports. His legacy as one of the greatest racing drivers of his era is forever intertwined with the tragedy of his passing. However, his accomplishments both on and off the track continue to inspire drivers and fans alike.
Miles' role in the development of the Ford GT40 and its historic victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for racing. His induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2001 is a fitting tribute to his greatness and ensures that his name will forever be remembered.
