Four Ford GT Cars To Race In Le Mans 2016
ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), the organisers of the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours, has confirmed the entry of all 4 Ford GTs for the 2016 race.
This comes 50 years after Ford’s famous 1-2-3 victory at the 1966 endurance race which saw the Ford GT40’s of Bruce McLaren/Chris Amon, Ken Miles/Denis Hulme and Ronnie Bucknum/Dick Hutcherson take the top 3 spots. It’s also the first time an American car won the Le Mans race, beating Ferrari and Porsche.
The 4 Ford GTs from Ford Chip Ganassi Racing will compete in the GTE Pro class this June 18 – 19.
“It was great to see all four Ford GTs up there on the Le Mans entry list today,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “Newcomers are by no means guaranteed an entry, whatever their history or ambitions, so we thank the ACO for giving Ford the opportunity for a four-car assault in June,” he added.
The Ford GT racing car is based on the all-new Ford GT supercar which is the pinnacle product of the Ford Performance division. A powerful and efficient Ford EcoBoost engine powers this state-of-the-art racer constructed with lightweight carbon fiber which will be pitted against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Corvette.
“I’m very happy that we can run all four Ford GTs at Le Mans,” said Chip Ganassi, owner of Ford Chip Ganassi Racing. “It will be a big challenge for us but one we are thrilled to undertake. We have prepared well and can’t wait to get the Ford GTs onto the track there and show everyone what they can do”. Chip Ganassi is a veteran in the racing circuit with cars participating in Nascar, IndyCar, Rallycross and World Endurance Championship.
The #66 and #67 Ford Chip Ganassi Racing cars that run in the FIA World Endurance Championship will keep their race numbers for Le Mans. The other two GTs that run in the IMSA WeatherTechSportsCar Championship will race as #68 and #69.
Driver line-up for the cars will be confirmed at a later date.
