Do Ford still compete at Le Mans?
As a long-standing name in the automotive industry, Ford has a rich history in motorsport, particularly at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. This endurance race has seen Ford's remarkable engineering and racing prowess over the decades. In this article, we will explore Ford's current involvement in Le Mans and the significance of their legacy in this iconic event.
A Brief History of Ford at Le Mans
Ford's journey at Le Mans began in the 1960s, most notably with the legendary Ford GT40. This car not only competed but dominated the race, securing four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969. The rivalry with Ferrari during this period is one of the most celebrated stories in motorsport history.
Current Participation in Le Mans
As of 2025, Ford has made a significant return to Le Mans with the Ford GT, which was reintroduced to the racing scene in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their first win. The Ford GT has been competing in the GTE Pro class, showcasing Ford's commitment to endurance racing and its engineering capabilities.
Reasons for Ford's Continued Presence
- Brand Heritage: Ford's history at Le Mans is a crucial part of its brand identity, and competing helps to maintain this legacy.
- Technological Development: Participation in endurance racing allows Ford to test and develop new technologies that can be applied to their consumer vehicles.
- Marketing and Exposure: Competing at such a high-profile event provides significant marketing opportunities and enhances brand visibility globally.
The Future of Ford at Le Mans
Looking ahead, Ford's commitment to Le Mans seems strong, with ongoing investments in their racing programs. The company is likely to continue evolving its strategies to adapt to the changing landscape of motorsport, including the increasing focus on sustainability and hybrid technologies.
In conclusion, Ford remains a competitive force at Le Mans, driven by a blend of heritage, innovation, and marketing strategy. As they continue to participate in this iconic race, fans and enthusiasts alike can look forward to seeing how Ford will shape the future of endurance racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the GT40 worth?
Q: What is the average sale price of a Ford GT40? A: The average price of a Ford GT40 is $5,602,000. Q: How many Ford GT40s were produced? A: The total number of Ford GT40s produced was 105.
Does Ford still have a racing team?
Today, Ford is not only a household name in the motor industry; Ford Performance is a leader in Motorsports with a remarkable legacy in racing—road to track—as one of the world's largest organizations. Immerse yourself in the world of performance.
Why was Ford banned from NASCAR?
In the end, NASCAR banned Fords 427HR and suspended the Hemi because it wasn't legally allowed to race until it meet production homologation rules.
Is Nissan still in Le Mans?
Of course, Nissan will still be at Le Mans in force as a primary supplier of engines in the LMP2 category so, in that sense, Nissan will still very much compete at Le Mans.”
Did Ken Miles win Le Mans for Ford?
British-born Ken Miles was a gifted race car engineer and driver. Through his work for Carroll Shelby, Miles got involved in Ford's GT racing program. Miles won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1966, and he placed second at Le Mans. Miles died in a crash while testing Ford's J-Car later that year.
How did Ford do at Le Mans 2024?
The Ford Mustang GT3 made a successful first impression by securing a podium position at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Proton Competition #88 car driven by Giorgio Roda, Mikkel Pedersen and Dennis Olsen finished third in the LMGT3 class, behind the winning Manthey EMA #91 Porsche and the Team WRT #31 BMW.
What happened to Ford at Le Mans?
Three years after being rejected by Ferrari, Ford Motor Company had developed one of the best endurance cars in the world and won on the field of contest. With the LeMans victory, Ford Motor Company won the Manufacturer Championship because of their combined scores.
Does Ford still participate in Le Mans?
Ford continues to test the limits at major circuits and events worldwide, which includes major 24-hour endurance races like the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA, Le Mans, Spa and Nürburgring.
How much of Ford vs Ferrari is true?
Ferrari a true story? Many details in the Ford vs. Ferrari movie are true and give us a glimpse into the rivalry between Ford and Ferrari back then. Details in the movie include Ford's determination to win the 1966 Le Mans after half a decade of Ferrari dominance.
Does Porsche still compete in Le Mans?
The inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1923 saw 33 entrants line up on the grid. In 2024, the field consists of 62 cars from 14 manufacturers. When it comes to Porsche, there will be six Porsche 963 cars competing in the Hypercar class and two Porsche 911 GT3 R cars running in the LMGT3 category.
