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Carroll Shelby, 50 Years Since Le Mans Win

This weekend, on June 21 to be more precise, American company Shelby Automobiles celebrates the 50th anniversary of Carroll Shelby’s victory at Le Mans, a moment which they now call "the birth of a racing legend’s dynasty". To rise up to the occasion, Shelby will use the 35th annual Mid America Ford and Team Shelby Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the perfect grounds for a proper celebration.

"Fifty years ago this weekend, Carroll Shelby officially became an icon. Over a few years, he conquered the most famous, most grueling sports car race in the world an incredible three times, and in every possible role. With the expense and complexity of racing today, it’s a mark that will stand for perpetuity,” Amy Boylan, Shelby Automobiles president said in the release announcing the event.

On June 21, 1959, Carroll Shelby won the Le Mans Race, together with Roy Salvadori, as they drove, for Aston Martin. Since then, Shelby is the only man to ever win the 24 hours of Le Mans as a driver, team owner and manufacturer.

"After Aston Martin team manager John Wyer paired Shelby with Roy Salvadori in the DBR1/300, racing was never the same," Boylan added. They beat competitors, mechanical issues and scorching temperatures to capture the overall victory.”

The Mid America Ford and Team Shelby Nationals will take place at the Southern Hills Marriott in Tusla, between July 24 and 27. The event includes pen track at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, driving school, drag racing at Tulsa Raceway Park, a cruise night and car show.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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