Is Ken Miles the greatest driver of all time?

No—Ken Miles is not widely regarded as the greatest racing driver of all time, but he is revered as one of endurance racing’s most influential development drivers and a pivotal figure behind Ford’s 1960s GT40 program. The question persists because his 1966 season—winning Daytona and Sebring and finishing a controversial second at Le Mans—showcased a rare blend of speed, mechanical insight, and team leadership that shaped motorsport history.

Who was Ken Miles?

Ken Miles (1918–1966) was a British-born, U.S.-based racer and development ace best known for his work with Carroll Shelby and the Ford Motor Company on the GT40 project. A veteran of club racing and SCCA competition, Miles brought an engineer’s precision to the cockpit, using testing feedback to transform the GT40 from a fragile contender into a Le Mans winner—albeit one he was denied personally after the orchestrated finish in 1966.

Career highlights that define his reputation

The following points outline milestones that cement Miles’s status as a legend in endurance racing and as a master development driver.

• 1966 endurance sweep bid: Won the 24 Hours of Daytona (with Lloyd Ruby) and the 12 Hours of Sebring (also with Ruby), then was classified second at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after Ford ordered a staged, side-by-side finish that handed victory to Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon.
• Architect of GT40 progress: Key test/development driver who helped cure reliability and handling issues in the GT40 program, enabling Ford’s historic run of Le Mans victories that began in 1966.
• Versatile sports-car racer: Multiple SCCA successes in the 1950s and early 1960s, known for extracting pace from small-displacement machinery and specials before joining Shelby American.
• Enduring legacy: His fatal 1966 testing crash in Ford’s experimental J-car prompted a safety and aerodynamic rethink that contributed to the redesigned Mk IV, which won Le Mans in 1967.

Taken together, these moments explain why Miles is held in such esteem: he wasn’t just fast—he was foundational to one of the sport’s most consequential projects.

What defines “greatest of all time” in motorsport?

GOAT debates span eras, disciplines, and technologies. They usually weigh sustained dominance, adaptability across machinery and series, and the ability to deliver under pressure. Because motorsport includes very different platforms—from Formula 1 to endurance, rally, and IndyCar—“greatest” often depends on the frame of reference.

Common criteria used by historians and analysts

These criteria are frequently used to evaluate all-time greatness across disciplines, providing a structured lens for comparison.

• Peak performance: Speed advantage and race-winning decisiveness at the highest level.
• Longevity and dominance: Sustained success across seasons and regulations.
• Versatility: Winning in different cars, categories, or disciplines.
• Championships and majors: World titles, Le Mans wins, Indy 500s, and other blue-ribbon events.
• Competition level and era context: Quality of rivals, safety constraints, and technological parity.
• Technical influence: Development feedback that materially improves machinery.
• Legacy and impact: Cultural resonance and changes sparked in the sport.

No single driver maximizes all criteria, but those most often cited as “greatest” typically tick many of these boxes over a long period.

How Miles measures up against these criteria

Miles scores exceptionally on technical influence and peak performance in endurance racing—especially in 1966. He falls short on the traditional yardsticks of GOAT status: he never won Le Mans outright, never held a world championship, and had limited exposure to single-seaters at the top level. His career at the pinnacle was also tragically brief, limiting the statistical case for “greatest” while strengthening the legend of what might have been.

The case for Ken Miles

Supporters point to qualities that make Miles stand out even among elite peers, particularly his role in transforming Ford’s program and his command of endurance-race dynamics.

• Development genius: His testing feedback was instrumental in turning the GT40 into a winner, marrying engineering insight with driver feel.
• 1966 dominance arc: Winning Daytona and Sebring, then leading at Le Mans before the staged finish, underlines a towering peak against world-class opposition.
• Mechanical sympathy: He managed pace, brakes, and fuel with precision—vital in 24-hour races where consistency beats raw speed alone.
• Team leadership: A trusted lieutenant to Carroll Shelby, he unified drivers, engineers, and mechanics around actionable data and strategy.
• Cultural imprint: The “Ford v Ferrari” saga amplified his story, spotlighting the human drama behind factory racing’s corporate theater.

These arguments position Miles near the summit of endurance specialists and arguably at the top among development drivers—key facets of greatness within his niche.

The case against the GOAT label

Critics emphasize the statistical and contextual gaps that typically disqualify drivers from “all-time greatest” status across the entire sport.

• No world titles: He never competed for or won a Formula 1 world championship, the most common yardstick in GOAT debates.
• No official Le Mans win: The 1966 classification denied him endurance racing’s ultimate credential.
• Limited single-seater pedigree: Unlike multi-category legends, he wasn’t a proven force in top-tier open-wheel racing.
• Short peak at the top: His career apex was brief, blunting claims of prolonged dominance.
• Smaller statistical footprint: GOAT cases often rest on overwhelming numbers; Miles’s legacy leans more on influence and narrative.

These factors don’t diminish his stature; they frame it. Miles is iconically great in a specialized context, not across the whole spectrum of motorsport.

Comparisons with acknowledged GOATs

When the conversation shifts to all-time, cross-disciplinary greatness, the benchmark names tend to feature extended dominance and major-title hauls that transcend eras.

Within endurance racing

In the endurance niche, greatness is often measured by Le Mans victories and multi-year supremacy at the world’s toughest long-distance events.

• Tom Kristensen: Record nine Le Mans wins, unrivaled endurance pedigree.
• Jacky Ickx: Six Le Mans victories, also elite in F1 and sports cars.
• Derek Bell and Allan McNish: Multiple Le Mans wins and world titles in sports cars.
• Hurley Haywood: Three Le Mans wins and a Daytona 24 Hours legend.

Measured against this group, Miles’s influence is immense, but his lack of an official Le Mans win and shorter tenure at the top keep him just outside the very summit.

Across single-seater and broader motorsport

Cross-category GOAT lists typically feature drivers who combined multiple titles with era-defining dominance and versatility.

• Formula 1: Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen (now a multiple-time world champion) headline the debate for sustained elite achievement.
• Indy/USAC: A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti for winning across disciplines and blue-ribbon events.
• Rally: Sébastien Loeb (nine WRC titles) and Sébastien Ogier (eight) for supreme dominance in a distinct discipline.

Against this field, Miles’s case narrows to his endurance peak and technical impact rather than a cross-genre résumé.

Legacy and cultural impact

Miles’s legend looms large because it intertwines brilliance and tragedy. The 1966 Le Mans finish—engineered for a photo—denied him a deserved personal milestone and became a symbol of the tension between corporate strategy and sporting justice. His fatal test crash in the experimental J-car later that year triggered a hard reset on Ford’s aero and safety approach, contributing to the Mk IV’s 1967 Le Mans triumph. Decades on, “Ford v Ferrari” reintroduced Miles to new audiences, enshrining him as the racer’s racer: exacting, selfless, and devastatingly fast.

Verdict

Ken Miles is not the greatest driver of all time in the broad, cross-disciplinary sense used by most historians. But within endurance racing—and especially as a development driver—his stature is extraordinary. If the GOAT label depends on transforming machinery and shaping an era as much as hoarding trophies, Miles belongs near the top of that specialist conversation.

Summary

Ken Miles’s 1966 campaign and GT40 development work make him a towering figure in endurance racing, but the conventional metrics of all-time greatness—world titles, official Le Mans victories, long-span dominance, and cross-category success—tilt the wider GOAT debate toward other names. Miles remains a legend for how he won, how he led, and how he changed the sport, even if he isn’t its singular greatest driver.

Who is considered the greatest race car driver of all time?

There’s no single “best race car driver of all time,” as the title depends on the racing series and individual criteria, but Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher (Formula 1), and Richard Petty (NASCAR) are consistently ranked among the greatest due to their record-breaking wins and championships. Other legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna and Jim Clark are also highly regarded for their exceptional skill and groundbreaking performances.
 
This video explains why Ayrton Senna is considered the greatest Formula 1 driver by some: 58sMotorMouth PodcastYouTube · May 19, 2022
Formula 1 Drivers

• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabHolds the record for the most race wins in Formula 1 history, with 105 victories. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabThe second-highest winner in Formula 1 with 91 wins and a previous record holder for the most championships. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabThree-time Formula 1 champion known for his exceptional talent, especially in wet conditions, and who left a powerful legacy despite his career being cut short. 
• Jim Clark: Opens in new tabA driver from a previous era who excelled in multiple racing categories and is famous for his record 8 Grand Slams (pole position, leading every lap, and fastest lap). 

NASCAR Drivers

• Richard Petty: Opens in new tabKnown as “The King” in NASCAR, he holds the record for the most Cup Series wins (200) and shares the record for the most championships (seven). 
• Dale Earnhardt Sr.: Opens in new tabNicknamed “The Intimidator,” he was a legendary and feared driver known for his aggressive, “win-at-all-costs” mentality. 

Why there’s no single “best”

• Different eras: Comparing drivers from different time periods is difficult due to significant changes in technology, safety, and the nature of the sport. 
• Varying criteria: Some prioritize raw statistics and championships, while others value factors like skill in different weather conditions, multi-discipline success, or iconic status. 
• Different racing disciplines: Drivers who excel in Formula 1, which is open-wheel racing, are not directly comparable to NASCAR stock car drivers like Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt Sr. 

Was Ken Miles a genius?

Ken Miles was a legendary figure in the world of motorsports, known not only for his mechanical genius but also for his indomitable spirit behind the wheel. His contributions to the racing industry were profound, and his impact is still felt today.

Is Ken Miles the best driver ever?

No, Ken Miles is not definitively the “best driver ever,” but he is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential drivers of his era, known for his exceptional skill, engineering prowess, and fierce determination. While he achieved numerous victories and contributed significantly to Ford’s success in sports car racing, his career was tragically cut short, and “best ever” is a subjective distinction that is difficult to assign in motorsports.
 
Arguments for Ken Miles being one of the greats

• Dominant Driver & Engineer: Miles was a gifted driver and an innovative engineer who co-developed the iconic Ford GT40. 
• Record of Success: He secured significant wins, including the 1961 USAC Road Racing Championship and multiple victories at Sebring and Daytona. 
• Key Role at Le Mans: He was pivotal in Ford’s rivalry with Ferrari, culminating in the controversial 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, a pivotal moment for American racing. 
• Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction: He was posthumously inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, recognizing his profound impact on the sport. 
• Influence and Legacy: His achievements and unique blend of driving talent and mechanical genius left a lasting legacy, particularly with the legendary GT40. 

You can watch this video to learn more about Ken Miles’ career and impact: 59sChrispy DriverYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
Why he might not be considered the absolute best

• Subjectivity of “Best”: The title of “best driver ever” is subjective and depends on various criteria and personal opinions. 
• Shortened Career: His life and career were cut short at age 48, potentially preventing him from achieving even more. 
• Controversy at Le Mans: The disputed 1966 Le Mans finish, where he was denied a perceived victory, adds a layer of controversy to his career, though many view it as a win. 

Who is considered the greatest F1 driver of all time?

There’s no single consensus, but the debate for the greatest F1 driver of all time primarily centers on Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, who are tied with seven world championships each. Other legends like Ayrton Senna, Juan Manuel Fangio, and the current driver Max Verstappen are also frequently mentioned in this discussion. The “greatest” depends on the criteria, such as statistics (Hamilton leads in many), era-specific performance (Fangio was dominant in the 1950s), or raw talent and iconic status (Senna’s legacy remains powerful). 
Key Drivers and Arguments

• Lewis Hamilton: Opens in new tabStatistically, he holds records for wins, podiums, and total points, and is tied with Schumacher for the most world championships. He’s often cited as the best of the modern era and has boosted the sport’s popularity. 
• Michael Schumacher: Opens in new tabAlso a seven-time world champion, he set a standard of dominance, particularly during his consecutive titles with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004. 
• Ayrton Senna: Opens in new tabA three-time champion known for his speed, pole positions, and a tragic legacy that continues to inspire fans and drivers. 
• Juan Manuel Fangio: Opens in new tabA legendary driver from the 1950s who won five world titles in a short, impactful career. He was dominant in his era. 
• Max Verstappen: Opens in new tabA contemporary of Hamilton and Schumacher, he has quickly accumulated multiple championships and is considered by some to be the best driver ever, according to figures like Gerhard Berger. 

Why It’s Debatable

• Statistical vs. Cultural Impact: Hamilton’s records are undeniable, but some argue that factors like team performance significantly influence success, a point highlighted by studies on the sport’s history. 
• Different Eras: Comparing drivers from different eras is difficult, as the cars, technology, tracks, and competition levels vary significantly over time. 
• Subjective Qualities: Personal admiration for a driver’s ambition, driving style, or overall presence also plays a role in who is considered the “greatest”.