Dan Gurney had been asked to set the pace for the team during practice and qualifying. He did so convincingly, setting a new qualifying record in the Shelby American-entered Mk II with a time of 2:54.9.
Sebring’s Le Mans-type start was always a spectacle with the drivers sprinting across the track to their race cars. Despite getting to his Mk II quickly, Gurney got away slowly and lost several places. He quickly regained the lead and proceeded to follow the team strategy: he and Grant would lead the race, lapping at 2:59.0 to 3:00.0 in order to push the Chaparrals and Ferraris to their breaking point. The pair drove hard, temporarily giving up the race lead only during pit stops.
The stage was set for the “hare” to take a convincing victory until Gurney rounded the final corner of the final lap; Gurney’s engine blew! He pushed the car across the finish line under the dark Florida night, only to be disqualified for doing so. Happily for Ford, Miles/Ruby inherited the victory in their Mk II Roadster. Gurney and Grant would be teamed again to try their luck at Le Mans in a few months time.