Holman Moody was responsible for three cars at Le Mans in 1966, with Shelby American and Alan Mann Racing bringing the number of factory Ford entries to eight.
Hawkins, on the weight of his having driven at Le Mans before, was assigned the start. Donohue was disappointed by not receiving this duty, one that he considered to be an honor. Following the traditional "Le Mans start" - a foot race across the track to the waiting cars - the Australian took off too hard and broke a drive shaft. The bronze Ford was the first to pit, as a result. After a lengthy stop, Hawkins returned to the action but was back in after only a few laps, complaining of a serious pull to one side.
Donohue, not just a gift driver but a talented engineer, convinced John Holman to let him take a diagnostic lap. He immediately suspected bent pushrods and back in the pits his suspicion was confirmed. Further repairs cost the pair dearly, but the drama wasn't yet over!
On his first lap out on the circuit again, the American encountered a bizarre problem as he started braking at the end of the Mulsanne straight. Next lap, same place, 210mph, and snap! The rear bodywork flew off and into the trees, unsettling the car badly. Donohue recovered and proceded around to the pits, where the officials were keen to disqualify the #4 Ford. It took some convincing, but Donohue was allowed to recover the tail section and continue. He found the errant bodywork and returned to the pits with it wired in place, but the team eventually diagnosed a damaged differential and withdrew, ending a heroic effort.
