A Short Biography on Nigel Mansell

A Short Biography on Nigel Mansell

Nigel Ernest James Mansell was born August 8, 1953 in Upton-upon-Severn, Worcestershire. He spent most of his childhood and early adult years in Hall Green, Birmingham. When he was just 15 years old, he began to get a feel for racing in karting. He took a part-time job as an engineer, but never lost the ambition and drive to race, which ended up costing him the majority of his income when he began to compete in the British Formula Ford 1600 competition in the 1970s.

Mansell won his first-ever race at Mellory Park in 1976. In one short year, Mansell had the opportunity to win his first championship, after winning 32 of the 42 races he participated in. In a horrible accident, Mansell broke his back and most thought his racing days were over before they ever really got started. In a miraculous turnaround, Nigel returned to claim his championship against medical advice.

Mansell and his wife sold their property in 1979 to pay for their Formula 3 races with the March team. The March wasn't anything impressive, but Mansell's performance still attracted the attention of Lotus Formula 1 boss Colin Chapman. Chapman was convinced of Mansell's talents, and invited him to test a Formula 1 car.

However, shortly before the meeting was to take place, Mansell broke a vertebra in his neck after a collision on the track. Chapman was in doubt, but Mansell ensured him that he'd be ready to race. Mansell signed a test-driver contract with Lotus in 1980, and was hoping to get the second seat alongside Mario Andretti, who was competing in his last season with Lotus. In August of that year, Mansell was given the chance to prove his talent, but mechanical failures thwarted multiple attempts.

Eventually, Mansell proved his worth and was given a full-time driving contract with Lotus. His first race was a success, followed by many more. Chapman and Mansell became close friends and Mansell seemed to fit right in with his teammates. The car ran well, and the team enjoyed modest success, but they never made any headway.

In 1982, Chapman passed away and Mansell had to wait until 1985 before Frank Williams came along and gave him a competitive card and the second seat alongside Keke Rosberg. The 85 season started out poorly for Mansell who wouldn't enjoy his first win until the 1985 European Grand Prix.

In the years to follow, Mansell would cement his position as one of the best Formula 1 drivers in the sport. In 14 seasons, Mansell ran 191 races, won 31, 59 podium finishes; earned pole position 32 times, has 30 separate fastest lap records, earned 480 points, and won the coveted F1 Title.

A born racecar driver, Mansell proves that determination can prevail in the end. A life marred with injury, repeatedly forced into success. Nigel Mansell is often called the "King."