Race and classic pictures

Andretti family recreates Ford’s Le Mans history at Goodwood

©charlieb.photography

American motorsport royalty took center stage at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Saturday as three generations of the legendary Andretti family united for an unforgettable tribute.

To honor the 60th anniversary of Ford’s historic triumph over Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours – a rivalry immortalized on the silver screen – Mario, Michael, and Marco Andretti suited up to recreate one of racing's most iconic visual moments.

Spectators were treated to the breathtaking sight of the exact three Ford GT40s that secured a spectacular 1-2-3 finish in 1966. The trio drove the legendary machines side-by-side up the famous Goodwood hill, perfectly mirroring the iconic three-abreast formation that crossed the finish line six decades ago.

For patriarch Mario Andretti, who actually raced a GT40 in the 1966 classic but failed to finish, the moment was deeply emotional.

"We have enough time to reminisce of that period," he reflected after his afternoon run. "It's a lot of nostalgia here, and it's so wonderful that they were able to do this."

History buffs will remember the controversial 1966 finish, where Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon were declared the victors over Ken Miles and Denny Hulme due to a starting grid technicality.

Mario jokingly revealed that the family had to keep a close eye on his son Michael during the demonstration.

“You know, we had to do quite a bit of talking to Michael because we thought that he would give Ken Miles a bit of revenge, try to cross the finish line first on this one like he was supposed to,” Mario laughed. “But he held on, so we just kept it the way it was then."

Representing the pinnacle of US racing heritage during Goodwood’s massive celebration of American motorsport, the Andretti clan cherished the milestone.

As Mario summarized: “We're so privileged to be able to have had this opportunity as a family here to sort of come back to a great moment in history in our sport, really, at Le Mans with Ford 1-2-3.”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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