The Formula One pedigree of BTCC
If you ask most BTCC fans what their most memorable race is, then the chances are their reply will involve the words “Mondeo”, “Donington”, “wet” and “Mansell”.
Donington Park in 1998 may have been Nigel Mansell’s first appearance a regular season BTCC race (we’ll come to his 1993 TOCA Shoot Out appearance later!), but it was definitely his most memorable.
The first race proved to be less than memorable, with ‘Red 55’ retiring after just three laps, but come the second event of the day and the changeable conditions saw an epic battle between Mansell and established touring car stars John Cleland, Anthony Reid and David Leslie (not to mention another ex-F1 driver in Derek Warwick). Making his way from 19th on the grid, the 1992 Formula One World Champion led for several laps before ultimately finishing up in fifth place.
Far from being the start of beautiful career in tin-tops, it was the high point, as at his next round at Brands Hatch Mansell failed to finish either race, while at the season finale at Silverstone 14th and 11th places were the best the third Mondeo driver could do, showing that F1 star quality isn’t a guarantor of touring car success.
Donington Park in 1998 may have been Nigel Mansell’s first appearance a regular season BTCC race (we’ll come to his 1993 TOCA Shoot Out appearance later!), but it was definitely his most memorable.
The first race proved to be less than memorable, with ‘Red 55’ retiring after just three laps, but come the second event of the day and the changeable conditions saw an epic battle between Mansell and established touring car stars John Cleland, Anthony Reid and David Leslie (not to mention another ex-F1 driver in Derek Warwick). Making his way from 19th on the grid, the 1992 Formula One World Champion led for several laps before ultimately finishing up in fifth place.
Far from being the start of beautiful career in tin-tops, it was the high point, as at his next round at Brands Hatch Mansell failed to finish either race, while at the season finale at Silverstone 14th and 11th places were the best the third Mondeo driver could do, showing that F1 star quality isn’t a guarantor of touring car success.
