66, 67, 68, 69. Those are the numbers that will be worn by Ford GT racecars at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fifty years ago, at the 1966 running of the classic endurance race, Ford shocked the racing world as the GT40 Mk.ii achieved a 1-2-3 podium sweep, ahead of competitors from Porsche, Alpine, and Ferrari.
This year, Ford is set to return to Le Mans, as race organizer ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest) confirmed acceptance of for GT supercar entries, for the race which is set to run June 18 - 19. Featuring cutting edge aerodynamics, and lightweight carbon fiber construction, the all-new GT is motivated by a strong and EcoBoost engine, capable of producing more than 600 horsepower.
“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, who attended this afternoon’s press conference in Paris. “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.”