This Paint Had a Purpose You'd NEVER Guess! (Holman Moody's Breakthrough Ford GT40s)

Many of you have seen the Ford vs Ferrari movie that focuses on Ken Miles and that iconic blue/orange Ford GT40 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. You see those fluorescent fenders on his car along with random flourescent markings on the other Ford GT40's of the Holman Moody team. Those were not there just to look cool. They served a practical purpose. We sat down with Lee Holman (son of HM founder John) who was there for all of this and has his own story of innovation leading to this distinctive paint scheme!
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[@Stapleton42]

Lee Holman has so many great stories like this it’s insane. If you wanna see the Holman Moody shop working on some GT40s check this out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a57blnptfrKbd6M Stapletonautoworks.com

[@MarkJohnson-ou6xz]

You and Logann are so lucky to have found a way to make these videos of racing history! Your luck has turned into our luck! They are great!!!

[@rodney1818]

Not much to say it's pretty forward and direct but I know comments help so good job

[@iqcops]

Thanks for this interview.

[@robviousobviously5757]

Lee is an American treasure... more please before the opportunity is gone forever.. these are great.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man. We are looking forward to documenting more conversations with Lee!

[@bobuncle8704]

More with Lee Holman??? Yes please!!!

[@justinwise6950]

Well, I for one never thought about why they had the neon colors, but I am a lot happier for knowing! These stories are so cool!

[@Stapleton42]

thank you Justin!

[@Longsnowsm]

These videos will be watched for the rest of forever! That is a fact, or at least until the last race fan who remembers any of this existed dies and racing is long since gone. Who knows, maybe someone will start up a grass roots race series and racing will be reborn again. Dare to dream!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!

[@woodyholland9865]

YES! More Mr Holman! I agree with him that the late 1960's were the best racing. Not as much money and more sport

[@JMChladek]

The dayglo paint was a great revelation and makes a lot of sense. Paint durability during a race could also be an issue given the red patch on the nose of Miles and Ruby's #98 was pretty much sandblasted back to white by Sunday morning. Color interactions with the base colors on the cars could also alter the paint appearance since florescent paints are translucent, so they work best over a white base coat. Ken's car at Le Mans being light blue looks like it shifted the dayglo orange a little darker. Thanks again for these!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@chriscurry236]

WOW!! I could st the total 3 hours listening to Lee tell those 60's racing stories!! Glad you took the time to document Holman Moody history!! Thank you for preserving early racing history for future generations!!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it! We feel the same lol

[@AndyM.]

Not sure where you live Chris but if you are around the Charlotte area, do yourself a favor and go to his shop! He is one of the nicest guys! I went there after seeing the first video of 'h/m-pa-looza 2022' And he talked to me for 2 freakin' hours and let me just walk around his shop! They have freakin' GT40 all over the place! One of the best days EVVVVVER!

[@robfultz7946]

I sound like a broken record but this stuff is amazing!!! Love these stories!!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks rob!!

[@Freddie-adhd-Abe]

You have one of the few KZbin channels I can sit and watch the whole video. Really good stuff. Keep it up

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man we appreciate you

[@jimhaines8370]

You guys are doing a great job as the old timers are becoming older and all have great stories of history to let us know

[@israelmathes6268]

I could watch a couple hundred hours of Mr Holman. So much knowledge in his brain.

[@Stapleton42]

Same 😂

[@benrossbach6501]

More more love this stuff

[@Stapleton42]

You got it!

[@elvissking]

What a legend Lee Holman is. He’s the storyteller of the NASCAR. Love to hear more of his stories.

[@MrUltraworld]

Racers are very smart people, very resourceful.

[@Stapleton42]

Extremely!

[@MrUltraworld]

@@Stapleton42 I'm a new subscriber and I love your content. You two do a great job. We get to see the stuff that no one else covers.

[@michaelpage1796]

Yes, more stories with Lee. Get all you can while he is still able to tell them. There is no telling what history he his inside the shop.

[@noobFab]

You’ve done an amazing amount of legwork recently to go round and spend the time to document the memories and experiences of all these people who were ‘there’, those who can talk about things that will never happen again in quite the same way. That more innovative, semi-‘privateer’, professional race team setup was a breeding ground for racing innovation and it’s so fascinating to hear what went on behind the scenes. Thanks for this - while I grew up in Europe and was more focused on two wheels than four, it’s still very cool to hear these kinds of stories. Also, very awesome to see the pit photo of the Shelby Daytona coupe!

[@Stapleton42]

thank you James! Lee sent me a whole folder of his original photographs!

[@tomupchurch4911]

Put out all the Lee Holman you can and it will be watched and liked.

[@daveainscough5000]

This is gold. I love history in all formats. People don't understand you appreciate where you are with out knowing how they got there

[@joeblow5154]

Are you kidding? Of course, we want to hear more of Lee. I love hearing stories of yesteryear. Can't wait for the next one.

[@wesleybateman5837]

Thanks for sitting down with these legends while they can . Appreciate your time and perseverance

[@Stapleton42]

thank you for watching it!!

[@nsidor1234]

Lee is a living legend. I'm surprised that no one has done a long form documentary on the rich history of Holman Moody, intercut with vintage footage.

[@cmr189psu]

Thank you for making all of these videos. You are doing such a great job of preserving the past. Some of these stories may have never gotten out to the masses without these. I have learned so much more about racing history. It's really great that you are able to meet all of these legends and get to put their stories out.

[@Stapleton42]

You're very welcome

[@thestig1899]

Great story, Keep the History Alive Very Interesting content . Never knew that about the fluorescent colors on the GT40’s

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoyed it! We thought it was a really neat story.

[@alexandertreu8904]

My father worked in the Pit Signal area at Le Mans 1965, talked about the cars getting airborne at end of Mulsanne straight and how a chicane was later put in to break up the straight away to keep speeds down. Also told a story about yelling at Edsel Ford (didn’t know at time) for waking on or near his numbers in the Pit Signal area… “get the F out of here” I think he told him. Only to find out later it was the son of Henry Ford himself. My dad loved telling those stories almost as much I enjoyed listening to them. I LOVE hearing Lee Holman talk about the GT40 era! Any more videos you post are greatly appreciated!! My father has passed so I can no longer ask him, thank you so very much for sharing!!

[@southcarolina6537]

I spend Sundays lately going back to these videos, this is great someone taking the time to visit with these guys while its still possible , very interesting Thanks Mitch/Logan

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Please, more time with Lee. He is an amazing legend, with such incredible stories.

[@ricknorris6943corvair]

You have become a very good interviewer and I eagerly await the next installment. Keep on truckin!

[@Stapleton42]

I appreciate that!

[@thesupacoop4002]

Thank you for interviewing and recording all these wonderful details and stories from Lee Holman and others.

[@tatopostgoes2640]

Thanks for reaching out to all these great content there's so much history and yes please more. I'm thirsty for knowledge and you and logan are doing an amazing job. Thanks. BLESSINGS FOR YOU AND YOURS.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man we appreciate your support!

[@woofersd2383]

I really believe, the more videos like this talking to our Legends, will open so many doors for others to want to talk to you also. Keep it up, this is fascinating. Thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!!

[@MrJak427]

Please multiples of more stories with this fella

[@marshall.white.300]

I appreciate what you guys do. Making these kind of videos to share real racing history is awesome.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

More. 20 minutes felt like time stopped listening to his stories. Incredible interview. No idea. Thank you.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Thank you Mr Holman.

[@MrWheelrdealer]

Great job digging up these significant historical people. My first Daytona was 1970, I was 11. Bob Emmons worked for my Dad and had annual tickets to the 500 and FireCracker 400. Bob and his brother Red raced a Hudson Hornet at Daytona when they raced on the Beach. We sat in Seagrave Section D on the rail. What I want to say is I was there...and I am learning now from you and Logan what I witnessed so many years ago. Great work, you two do a great job. Thank you.

[@Stapleton42]

man thats awesome. we are so glad you're here.

[@adamreed5859]

That definitely didn't feel like 20 min. Absolutely amazing knowledge

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Adam!!

[@timothyschraf236]

Great idea 👀👀👀👀❗️😊👍🇺🇸 Holman And Moody had a fantastic shop 👀❗️👍

[@HammerPowered]

Coming into this a couple days after release- man this is fascinating to me. Who knew that a color would be so key to racing like that? Lee is a treasure and I love that this stuff is here to watch.

[@metrickarma]

Was watching a Rocky mountain race week recap, and a guy with a beast of a diesel truck had an LSXscalade shirt on!!

[@Stapleton42]

Chris Patterson! He's a bro

[@Sir_Jake15]

Yes more please. What a legend.

[@waynesligar5948]

This was so awesome to just listen to thi guy talk so much knowledge about racing

[@donnatalielucasheimbigner7598]

It is great to hear these stories. It is what made the sport what it has become.

[@glenedwards3038]

Very interesting to hear all the other aspects of what they do when they had no communications with the drivers. Cool

[@mitchellhadanek2647]

Bring on all Lee's video you captured. that was amazing! Great job!

[@jamesemmeneckersr.1875]

Seriously Mitchell and Logan ? This kind of knowledge, back stories, and history is what gave me foundation of racing. I remember in 1965 as a 5 year old my oldest brother coming in the driveway with his '62 Pontiac GP convertible triple black with 421 3 x 2 4 spd.... I lived for Saturday afternoons Wide World of Sports with any kind of racing. I couldn't get enough.. Today, I am frustrated hang on Nascar fan but like Lee ... I think the road racing of the mid 60's to 70 / 71 was some of the very best. You 2 need to get together with Jr and help save as much history as possible. The Jim Hall story is some truely game changing innovation. It was 1966... Hall's Chaparral # 66, I was 6, my other brother's football # was 66...I got my first stingray bike from my dad who bought at the Police auction. KEEP IT COMING.

[@Stapleton42]

that's awesome man!! we are glad you're here

[@richardparker3226]

The roots of racing - I can't stop watching! Thanks

[@Stapleton42]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@bbrut3332]

We can never get enough of the history from those who actually participated or were innovators in the 50s and 60s and early 70s. Very few of us have the means nor the ability to actually visit these great men of racing garages. I can remember some of the CanAm racing near Denver and Texas from the late 60s that had innovative cars and some pretty great drivers. A story on the CanAm series would be great to see.

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you sir 💪🏻

[@jerrellkull5347]

I could sit and listen to lee for days, great content. Y'all take care.

[@speedwaystevecronk6680]

Outstanding History video! More lessons learned of how Holman Moody were ahead of their time and On Top of the Racing game. GT40 because they were 40 inches tall and were pushed to development because of desire. I agree with Lee the late 60's had plenty going on in the world of Motorsport's. Thanks for all your hard work with the video's and the editing.

[@24vJames]

Absolutely love stuff like this keep up the great work and I think it’s great how your talking with all the legends of the sport we’ve heard of and putting it on a platform the younger generation are active on. Really helps keep this stuff alive.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks james that’s our goal!

[@TotalSeal]

Great problem solving! Lee is awesome.

[@haworthlowell805]

Great job Mitchell. Yes, please get more of this history recorded before it's gone forever.

[@scottsheldon1284]

Enjoying the historical side of NASCAR. I think its great that you and Logan are visiting and recording the stories from the Legends and people that made the sport. Keep up the good work! Scott

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Scott!

[@jessepotts9005]

Absolutely fascinating! Big spotlight on all of American auto racing.

[@dawsonburrell9754]

As usual, great video! Thanks for the history!

[@Stapleton42]

Our pleasure!

[@robertcounts5300]

thank you for the history lesson! can't wait to see more from Mr. Holman!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks Robert!

[@lpete2766]

l was always a ford guy . so anything lee says am listening . my dad loved his fords . like father like son .

[@022367ASM]

YES, MORE!!!

[@Jeffbambam]

What a great interview 👏

[@jeffbergen4612]

You guys do such a good job with these interviews. I always figured the neon colors were for identification/visibility....but had no clue that it was Lee's idea!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

We have known for years the colors were for improved identification, but was not aware that the paints were da-glo black light. Brilliant!

[@davemckee4907]

Another great video!Lee is so interesting,love to hear his memories.

[@briandaniszewski6031]

I look forward to every new video! I even watch the older ones two or three times incase I missed something, which I always do. Awesome content!

[@Stapleton42]

You are the man!! I do the same with important material. Wish others would follow your lead!

[@solanaceae2069]

Killer interview. The good ole days.

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!!

[@scottmulrooney8483]

Fantastic history, thank you so much for filming this!

[@guitarobot]

Love these videos. I'm a sucker for what others may see as useless information.

[@Stapleton42]

Same lol

[@camaronut666]

Post it all I wanna see it and the most of the people do keep up the good work you two.

[@classicperformance]

I was there last week and talked to Lee. just a great guy. We talked about the GT 40s and gave me a tour. Classic Performsnce if interested. Love your content!!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!! We’re glad you’re here

[@craigwalker4211]

People like Lee & their experiences are fascinating, more please.

[@RATTL3R186]

Best series on You tube. All these ole boys are doers not talkers . Got a problem ? Wasn't an Alexa to ask or a Google to find out , they figured it out and fixed it !

[@daytonafuntim]

What a great story! Road to 250k subs and you guys deserve it! Appreciate it.

[@bigdog2024]

Lee mentioned all the safety inventions of the late 50s to mid - 60s. Seatbelts and fireproof driver suits among other things were invented by Bill Simpson. As I recall he is dead but is there anyone left from those days who can talk about getting those things adopted by drivers. As Mr Holman said they all thought they were bulletproof and immortal. This topic would make a nice video or two after you get finished with your “Lake Speed Project” videos which are getting better and better.

[@Stapleton42]

thank you Edward!

[@DirtBikeSessions]

Amazing…thanks for posting!

[@stevelueb7787]

Awesome.... in awe to hear him speak

[@ggbuck2625]

Thank you for recording NASCAR and racing history. Long over due.

[@joehoulihan5305]

Such a cool story, you guys unlocked a mystery. Thanks for the work you put in.

[@bluesmoke218]

You are killing it on this channel man!

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man!

[@robfultz7946]

Would definitely love to see more!!!

[@bobo1959er]

What you guys are doing is priceless . I hope you know your stuff fills a spot in people that is mostly gone now. You must be a good guy , most of these people you talk with wouldn't give the average joe the time of day. They seem to trust you. Thanks

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man

[@davidburke709]

I'm building the front 3 from the '66 Le Mans (and Gurney's car as well) - the color information and explanation are priceless! Thanks!

[@Stapleton42]

Glad to help!

[@timkoryciak5622]

Great video ! Keep up the great work Mitchell and Logan !

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks so much!

[@jcm78]

I gotta tell you man, you’re doing a great job! All of your content is interesting. Even the Newell stuff(not an rver or could ever afford one) but I learned about them watching your content and if I’m learning, I’m loving it. You’re in my top 5 favorite channels for sure! Thank you!

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man that means a lot!!

[@billtruett8593]

Well that answer some questions I’ve alway had. Good stuff good stuff. Holman & Moody, such a class act in the Motorsport world. Thanks guys !

[@bartonbrown4172]

Why Holman Moody was the best in the business! I met Lee once at Lime Rock - some great HM and Shelby stories, and a true gentleman.

[@bmcshane80]

Im here all the way through as always! My bundle arrived last week and the quality is INSANE! Im coming to North Wilkesboro for the All Star Race from Australia next year, would love to see ya there!

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks man!! We love to hear it. Maybe you will!

[@bigmikeyz0071]

Wow that’s wild those gt40’s with the dayglo paint schemes influenced 4 of my future guitar purchases. When I was a kid I had picture of them and later I bought some 80’s guitars with dayglo paint jobs. They were also pretty cheap because nobody else wanted them anymore however that changed fortunately. People who see them think I love the 80’s shredder axes but it’s really about vintage race cars lol.

[@edsmith150]

Pretty cool that man’s got some stories I like to hear

[@TheRuffusMD]

i was there for that race , and yes it was cold , we had a kerosine heater in our tent . i am glad we didn't die from CO poisoning . those were great cars . i miss it . i had a great dad who took me to everything

[@JC-gw3yo]

I'll be darned... That explains the nose colors Lucy....... time to visit the Bud Moore NASCAR team

[@squirebrannon5072]

Love all this history, keep up the great work guys!

[@Stapleton42]

Thank you! Will do!

[@richardharvey8939]

Awesome Mitchell. Love you kids keep killing it.

[@brianbeilmann2992]

Love when said they were digging the Ferraris out of the dirt berm near the pit. Such off hand dig. Gotta love that

[@robertcates4066]

Absolutely, love to hear from the veterans of our sport! Wish YOU could have interviewed Carrol Shelby, you and your wife ask the good questions!!

[@Stapleton42]

We wish we could have too!

[@BROCKWOOD64]

I am very appreciative of your capturing the history surrounding HM. It is a unique perspective that deserves preservation!!! Jaguar D Types, in the 50s can also be seen with sometimes garish dayglow 'lips' around the grill opening for that same purpose. Great idea whether with more advanced lighting to spot it at night or not! Well, in Jaguar's case, they're use was much less flattering than the GT40 versions!!!!

[@jm9782]

This is great stuff!!! Content that needs to be out there.

[@briandetienne5680]

As a life long Ford guy, I have been aware of HM and its history for years. Really enjoyed your videos from HM & The Wood Bros. In Charlotte today on business and stopped by HM. Not what you'd expect is an understatement. I was there for over an hour and Lee about talked my ear off. 😂 Probably could have chatted for hours. As I drag racing guy, it would be nice if you chased some of that history. How about King Racing from Kenny Bernstein's perspective? Don Prudohme? Warren Johnson? You know Greg Anderson got his start working for WJ. Appreciate the content. Keep up the good work!

[@Stapleton42]

We got some cool drag racing stuff in the pipeline! Thanks man!

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Very interesting story about the GT40's from Mr. Moody! I'd say try to get as much info from him and others who pioneered motorsports racing, it is all so very cool to hear of the history! Thank you Mitch and Logan for another great history/tech video, it's greatly appreciated as always and I'm there too. Keep up the wonderful videos!😎👍

[@Stapleton42]

Thanks mark!

[@tomp1612]

Another great video Mitch. I loved the Holman Moody shop tour too. What he says about Fred Lorenzen is what I found with Dyno Don Nicholson when he was still with us. I was warned he was pretty far gone and yet when we were talking racing he recalled everything, even stuff i'm sure he hadn't been asked about before. I'd say Fred needs to hang out with more racers and fans and less non-car people. It'll keep his mind active.

[@jakster1952]

More historic stories please. You seem to have hit a soft spot in Motorsports. Well done you lucky dog 🐶. Keep digging into this goldmine of content. Well done 👍😎✅

[@Stapleton42]

thanks man

[@jackirwin8167]

Great work Mitchell. This history is amazing and for an old race fan brings back some cool memories. Kudos from SW Butler County PA!!

[@rootsdresser]

Interesting about the lorenzen memory deal, both Mark Martin and rusty Wallace had moments in your video with them where they talked about lacking memories of certain things but could tell you car setup details and race results like it was yesterday!