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 Just 40 inches tall, but a giant in Motorsport history, for most "American" motorheads the Ford GT40 is remembered as the “Car that beat the Europeans” at Le Mans. To celebrate that great era in their history Ford unvieled the stunning GT40 concept car for its 2002 centennial celebrations, and announced the production version just 45 days later.
Production of a small number Ford GT's began in 2003, with end of production timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of Ford's 1-2-3 victory in the 1966 LeMans race. As the last production car rolled out of the Troy, Michigan factory in sept 2006, the story of the Ford GT cme to an end, without the "Son" ever stepping into the racing shoes of its famous "father"....
...that is until recently
Ford GT-R to race next year
Tangent Racing, owned by successful driver and racing engineer Gene Martindale, has announced it plans to field a multi-car team of a newly developped Ford GT-R's in the American LeMans Series (ALMS). Building on the heritage of the famous 40 inches from the 1960’s, Martindale and his Tangent Racing are in the early stages of preparing a Ford GT to race in the GT2 Class of the ALMS the Ford GT-R.
The production car was presented to the ALMS and ACO officials for the initial review and inspection back in the summer of 2006.
Since then Tangent Racing has been working closely with both organisations to develop and move the programme forward.
 Like father, like son?
“Our goal is to be in the series by the start of 2008 and competing on a full time basis by 2009,” says the team’s rep Cynthia Lynn.
But as the top finishing teams in the ALMS receive invites to compete in the 24 hours of LeMans race in Europe there seem bo be an even bigger "goal".....Cynthia?
“The ultimate goal is to shine the spotlight on an incredible vehicle, develop it into a competitive mainstay and within three years win the ALMS Championship and the 24 hours of Le Mans.”
Lookes like those Auto Art Ford GT's might become very popular after all.
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