By Dean Larson

Photos courtesy of GT Racing Legends

Ken Miles, Jacky Ickx, Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt. These are the names of just a few of the heros who piloted Ford’s unprecedented GT40 in competition back in the 1960s. Their exploits on the track permanently changed motorsports history in the U.S. and propelled the GT into the supercar stratosphere — what would it be worth to see those experiences through their eyes?

Now unless your Jay Leno, Wayne Carini or a great grandchild of Henry Ford, the chances of someone tossing you the keys to P/1075, P/1046 or the Gurney/Foyt J5 are pretty slim. But Scottsdale, Arizona, based enterprise GT Racing Legends is now offering the next best thing for those of us who don’t have our own Wikipedia entry.

GT Racing Legends offers a variety of driving programs for the budding GT40 enthusiast that will put you behind the wheel of a GT on a real race track. Opt into the Ultimate Test Drive option and you’ll receive some basic lessons on high-performance driving and the intricacies of piloting the GT40 before taking the track in two, five-lap sessions, with a private instructor.

For a more intensive experience, the company offers GT40 Private Coaching, which gets you into a one, or two day session with a private instructor, where you’ll learn basic to advanced driving skills and how to turn quick laps in a GT40. Each day includes six, 20-minute driving sessions with instruction throughout.

The GT40 in question is a Superformance MkI continuation model finished in the Gulf livery for the proper nostalgic experience. A 500 hp 351 ci small-block ensures that you’ll feel the proper acceleration and sensations of the original GT, and founder Dave Zubick ensures us that what you're seeing here is the car you’ll actually be driving. (Check out Hillbank Motor Corp.'s site for more info on P2181.)

Test drive programs start at $2,500 depending on the venue and dates, but what’s really cool is that you’ll be able to put 50 percent of your program’s cost towards a new GT. The company has partnered with Superformance dealer Hillbank Motor Corp., meaning they’ll put half of your program’s cost towards a new GT40 roller or custom-spec’d build with components of your choice.

Dates for the new GT program start in January of 2020 at Arizona Motorsports Park, and there are openings for about 100 guests per year. Zubick explains that a similar program for the Shelby Cobra is on the way later this year.

For prices and a full calendar of events, check out gtracinglegends.com.