Racing Camelot: Nigel Mansell

In 1993, team owner Carl Haas both surprised and shocked the Indy Car world by importing the reigning Formula One champion, Nigel Mansell, to join the Newman-Haas organization. It was a bold and unprecedented move, but how would the existing crew react to working for a world-famous driver who literally had no experience on oval tracks?

And, would the addition of Mansell cause any friction or difficulties for his crew which previously worked with the talented and successful Michael Andretti?

In this episode of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy Car and Racing History,” Tim shares the experience of welcoming a celebrity driver who possessed entirely different skills and tactics than his predecessor in the Newman-Haas garage.

Along the way, Tim will discuss how difficult it is for Formula One or even NASCAR drivers, such as Jimmy Johnson, to make the jump to Indy Car competition. In his familiar honest fashion, Tim also reveals some of the tension that accompanied the arrival of Mansell and the inevitable competition between the crews of Mario Andretti and Nigel Mansell.

WANT TO LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR TIM?  YOU CAN GO HERE!

Nigel Mansell, CART, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 1993
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Credit: Rick Dikeman, Nigel Mansell, CART, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, 1993
Indy Car rookie and former Super Vee Champion Mark Smith under pressure from reigning F1 World Champion and future Indy Car Champion Nigel Mansel. Year, 1993.
Photo Courtesy Wikimedia Commons. Credit: Chris Snyder. Indy Car rookie and former Super Vee Champion Mark Smith under pressure from reigning F1 World Champion and future Indy Car Champion Nigel Mansel. Year, 1993.

Tim explains how Mansell managed to conquer his inexperience in driving ovals to become the Indy Car champion in his first year of competition. Since the Indy Car season concluded before that of Formula One, for a brief time, Mansell was the champion in both circuits—the only driver to ever hold that distinctive honor which will likely never be duplicated again!

Other discussion topics include:

  • The biggest difference in the driving styles between Michael Andretti and Nigel Mansell
  • The apparent friction between teammates Mansell and Mario Andretti and how that affected their respective crews..
  • The difficulties encountered in Mansell’s second year with Newman-Haas and why the team was suddenly not as competitive.
  • How the team members remember Mansell and his unique personality.
  • Finally, why did Mansell leave Newman-Haas and how was he replaced?
Share
Tweet
Share
Pin
Email

About Tim Coffeen

Tim Coffeen, host of “Tim Coffeen Talks Indy car and Racing History,” will share stories and memories from his long career with top Indy car teams.  As a winner of seven championship rings, Tim not only understands the history of open-wheel racing, he has lived it!

Interviewer/Host – Joe Ziemba

Intro/Promos – Ross Blilie

podcast artwork for Tim Coffeen talks Indy card and Raching Hisory

Please Note – As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

Leave a Comment

Digital $50 gift card to Homefield Apparel