4pc AFX MEGA G+ Slot Car FORD GT-40 24 HOURS of DAYTONA #95 96 97 98 22056-22059: SlotCarCentral

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The Ford GT40 Mk IIs (#95, #96, #97, #98) at the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona

The 1966 24 Hours of Daytona (held February 5�6 at Daytona International Speedway) was a pivotal early-season event in the World Sportscar Championship, where Ford unleashed its evolved GT40 Mk II prototypes�wider, more powerful versions of the original GT40 with 7.0-liter V8s pushing around 485 hp. These four cars (#95, #96, #97, #98) were factory-backed entries from Shelby American and Holman & Moody, dominating the P+5.0 class and delivering Ford a stunning 1-2-3-5 overall finish against Ferrari and Porsche rivals. They covered the 6-mile oval/road course hybrid in sweltering Florida heat, with mechanical reliability proving key amid high attrition (only 25 of 70 starters finished). Here's a breakdown of each:

#98: The Victorious Leader

Drivers: Ken Miles / Lloyd Ruby (Shelby American Inc.)
Performance: Started on pole (Miles' qualifying lap averaged 116.802 mph), led most of the race, and finished 1st overall after 678 laps (4,157 km at 173 km/h average). It was the first major win for the Mk II, foreshadowing Ford's Le Mans sweep later that year.
Notable: This blue-and-white Gulf Oil-liveried car (chassis J-2) endured brake and overheating woes but pulled away in the final hours. Ruby handled the night stint amid rain threats. Today, it's preserved in the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.

#97: The Close Chaser

Drivers: Dan Gurney / Ronnie Grant (Shelby American Inc.)
Performance: Finished 2nd overall after 670 laps, just 8 laps behind #98 despite a late charge. Gurney's speed kept it in contention for the lead.
Notable: Another Shelby entry (chassis J-3), it suffered minor electrical gremlins but showcased the Mk II's straight-line pace on Daytona's banking. Grant, a rising star, complemented Gurney's experience.

#95: The Holman & Moody Contender

Drivers: Walt Hansgen / Mark Donohue (Holman & Moody)
Performance: Crossed the line 3rd overall after 669 laps, holding off challengers in a gritty run.
Notable: Prepared by Ford's U.S. racing arm Holman & Moody (chassis J-4), this white/black/green-liveried car was a semi-privateer entry. Hansgen, a veteran, mentored young Donohue (in his endurance debut); tragically, Hansgen died testing a GT40 months later. It later raced at Sebring.

#96: The Resilient Fifth

Drivers: Chris Amon / Bruce McLaren (Shelby American Inc.)
Performance: Came home 5th overall after 651 laps, recovering from early setbacks to round out Ford's strong showing.
Notable: Shelby's Kiwi duo (chassis J-5) battled a wheel bearing failure early but pitted strategically. McLaren's team acumen shone through, though they couldn't match the leaders' pace after repairs.

These Mk IIs marked Ford's aggressive push against Ferrari, with the quartet lapping the field and securing the constructors' points. The win boosted morale before Le Mans, where similar cars achieved 1-2-3. For deeper dives, check period footage or the book Go Like Hell�these entries embody the Ford-Ferrari rivalry's raw intensity!