Team Mansell guns for glory

Mansell and Sons sounds like your local plumbing firm – but it’s actually an exciting family Le Mans team set up by a racing legend.

This year, 1992 Formula One world champion Nigel Mansell will make his enduro debut alongside his two boys, Leo, 25, and Greg, 23. Adding to the sense of occasion, their 4.5-litre V8 Ginetta-Zytek prototype is painted in Union flag colours and wears Our Nige’s famous ‘red five’ on its snout.

To achieve his dream of racing with the family at Le Mans, Nigel, 57, has entered into a long-term partnership with Beechdean Motorsport. The new outfit has big ambitions – and has started right at the top, competing against the might of Audi, Peugeot and Aston Martin in the premier LMP1 class. “We only launched the team a few months ago, and the response has been absolutely extraordinary,” says Mansell.

“We’re under no illusions about our chances of winning Le Mans at the first attempt, but we will be competitive – and a lot can happen in a 24-hour race.

“The 2010 entry is just the beginning. We’re here for the long haul, and aim to make Beechdean Mansell Motorsport one of the top teams in international endurance racing – and win the Le Mans 24 Hours in the near future.”

Speaking about his sons, Mansell adds: “I am excited, daunted and worried because they will probably be quicker than me!”

One thing’s for sure: Our Nige’s presence will be a huge draw for the hordes of Brits making the annual pilgrimage to Le Mans.