"Special memories, pretty scary memories" | Nigel Mansell reflects on taking part in the Indy 500

[@alexpegler465]

Nigel Mansell has looked 50 for the past 30 years.

[@bluecornerboxing6091]

Very true!! 😂👍

[@countrykids6483]

He's the British version of Tom Selleck

[@Dean-wh4mm]

So have you.

[@timothyward6644]

If I drove like he did, I'd be happy to look that good.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

I'm glad he brought the moustache back... One of the greatest moustaches of all time.

[@serenawatkins6875]

Wins the F1 championship and then, as a rookie, wins the Indycar championship in the following year. That was an incredible achievement and it showed what a truly great driver Nigel was, and l'd go as far to say he was better than other drivers of his era who were considered great. He deserved more F1 titles. And he's also a genuinely decent, down to earth person too.

[@kb5509]

He really didn't, great that he was.

[@pfuepfue9107]

Indeed, he did deserve more F1 titles.

[@berniecoles2337]

No slouch racing in the BTCC too, he drove a Mondeo like a calculated demon. Basically put Nigel behind the wheel of anything and if he didn’t win or get on the podium it’s because of a technical issue.

[@Daz5Daz]

@@kb5509 At least one more. Adelaide was incredibly unlucky in 1986 with the tyre exploding on him whilst he was in position to win the title. Also as fans we were robbed in 1987 of an epic title showdown when Mansell had to miss the last two GPs due to injury, handing the title to Piquet.

[@theiceman7590]

Maybe better than Pique but not above Prost and Senna

[@michaellavery4899]

Nothing came easy for Nigel. He lived in a transit van with his wife to fund his journey to F1. His autobiography is the best by an F1 driver. Can't recommend it enough.

[@nathanwilliams2152]

No it didn’t. At the time, the “chosen ones” who were tipped for F1 stardom, were people like Chico Serra and Andrea de Cesaris. They got massive financial backing. Yet neither won a single Grand Prix. Nigel wasn’t a good politician like Prost, Piquet, Senna or Lauda, and that hindered him. But no one has entertained me more, or displayed more spirit than he has. Getting pole and finishing third at Long Beach, after that Phoenix crash, with that cavity and neat anaesthetic being injected in his back, was the biggest and bravest thing he did. Greg Norman watched the fluid being drained out of his back on the morning of the race, and asked Nigel if he was sure he knew what he was doing! I think Emmo and Arie anticipated the last restart at Indy much better than Nigel did, and I think he should probably let that one go though. Although USAC did make some horrendous calls at Indy in the 1990s…

[@sergioleone3583]

Broke his neck on the way as well. Forza Il Leone!!!!!!

[@PhilipCockram]

I have a copy . Its a great autobiography .

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

Alright, I'll list that one as well. I'm only mildly interested in following the sport, but the people and whatever behind it all interests me more, like with a lot of stuff.

[@RIUUI007]

@@PhilipCockram What's the title? Just so I order the right one, thanks

[@shannon5373]

I was born 1972 and raised in Lafayette Indiana just 50 miles north of Indianapolis and I was 21 when Nigel came to America to race. It was unbelievable to watch and if you weren't here to see INDY in 1993 his rookie year you missed out. Thanks to Nigel for the kind words about INDY and sharing his experiences racing in America. Thank you Nigel for the awesome memories and speaking well of INDY. A true racing gentleman. God Bless from the 🇺🇲

[@codymoe4986]

Someone should give you a medal for being aware enough to attend the 1993 Indy 500...what were the rest of us thinking??? My life feels so incomplete...can you explain in greater detail so that I can climb a little closer to the lofty heights of your fandom?

[@shannon5373]

@@codymoe4986 you'd first have to come down from your ivory tower

[@benebacher2470]

@@codymoe4986 wow you’re a piece of work aren’t you

[@briggsquantum]

@@benebacher2470 You are correct but too kind. I think Cody is jealous and a piece of work.

[@galahadskeys]

I was at Silverstone on Thursday to see him with those cars and after the event he stayed and signed every autograph and patiently let people take selfies with him. Each and every person went home happy. A remarkable man and a true, true legend.

[@neilwooding3401]

Was a great evening wasn't it

[@bigcahoonaburger8550]

Couldn’t agree more. I like the story that when he lived on the Isle of Man the island didn’t have enough bin Lorry’s or cash to service his area, so he bought one .

[@galahadskeys]

@@neilwooding3401 It was a privilege to be there. A great evening.

[@ColonelJohnmatrix1000]

Nigel Mansell is an absolute legend. Loved his spirit and determination. A true warrior. God bless this great man.

[@TC-eo5eb]

I was at that Indy 500 race. The excitement of watching Nigel and Mario was priceless.

[@EveryonesAWinner]

Wow you are lucky. What a race

[@keithgoodrick-meech3921]

One of our greatest drivers. ❤️

[@84ateo27]

I think so, he could won more if only more rationalistic

[@keithgoodrick-meech3921]

@84ateo27 you have to bear in mind who he raced against, some of the greatest drivers ever.

[@minners71]

Someone added the words "one of" and added an S at the end of your comment. How rude.

[@SpaceHCowboy]

One of my heros as a kid. Still have mountains of admiration for Nigel. Great guy.

[@sarahhowells5534]

me too! absolute legend ☺️🏎

[@TeamVVV]

Nigel Mansell will always be a legend of motorsport.

[@TrulyUniqueOne]

An absolute gentleman, I lived a couple of houses along from him in jersey was out washing my bike one day and he walked up commenting on how nice my bike looked, had a great chat with him. A true legend

[@bloqk16]

In the background, that #24 car is Graham Hill in the Lola-Ford that won the 1966 Indy 500. Nice of Sky Sports F1 to honor him that way.

[@rosssoutherland8118]

I was there in Phoenix and filmed it in VHS Video. I was afraid when I saw the helicopter. Luv Nigel

[@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT]

The Mansell Mania was crazy. I’m still in the middle of watching the 1993 season, and wow, Nigel was just very talented overall!

[@john2ndname]

I'm about to watch this season starting race 1 in Surfers Paradise Gold Coast!..cheers!

[@stinkyroadhog1347]

@@john2ndname Where do you watch these?

[@srxt6758]

​@@stinkyroadhog1347theres a playlist on yt from different uploaders. Somebody bunched up all the uploaded races together

[@slayerdeth0705]

@@john2ndname I watched em all about 3 years ago. From 93 to 2014, every race. Loved it.

[@AmbroseB1900]

A great hero of mine. Couldn't believe it when he wasn't able to defend his F1 title but by taking the Indycar title the next year he became a legend. I went to a mid week practice day at Silverstone, my wife and I walked round to Hangar Straight, no one else there, Nigel came out on a slow warm up lap and as I photographed him he looked straight at the camera! Cheers Nigel. My over-riding memory though is that wheel to wheel overtaking of Senna, two masters of their craft. Great to hear Nigel's voice again.

[@markko17]

Just to set the record straight, the reason for the full course yellow near the end at Indy, Lynn St. James car had ground to a halt near the entrance of the pits, blocking the pits which required a full course yellow.

[@Pabig93]

Also, the restart was with 16 laps to go and not with 2 laps to like Nigel says here.

[@Lutonboy]

Watched both seasons of indycar with mansell. Loved it.

[@stevejpm1]

Me too.

[@trident1314]

Shame he went mansell diva mode in 94 though.

[@scottirvine121]

Same

[@stevec-b6214]

What a character! Like the Isle of Man TT races, with the Indy 500, you have to be there to really appreciate the speed and spectacle and courage on show. I count myself very lucky to have experienced both.

[@bloqk16]

I recall watching the Michigan 500 on TV that Mansell spoke about. He was on-camera after the race for a brief interview, and looked extremely exhausted.

[@johnogrady5298]

I watched every race of that Indy car championship as a teenager. Amazing, just amazing.

[@randy4768]

I was there at Indy in 93. I remember him pushing his car to the checkered flag in an F1 race and rooted for him in F1 from that time on. But I rooted for Mears, AL Unser, and fellow Kentuckian Danny Sullivan.

[@steveravely6708]

I was a Nigel fan from the day he came to the US. He was very fan friendly unlike F1 drivers of today. I hope his back is better nowadays.

[@RiminiVirage]

If you have not yet been to the museum at Silverstone, you really should go. Very easy to find, great parking, restaurant on site and lots to see. This week I went to the Silverstone Museum on Monday and then on Tuesday went to the F1 Exhibition at London's excel. Both really worth a look for F1 fans. Nigel's cars are on display at Silverstone and Lewis Hamilton's 2018 championship winning car is at the Excel along with a Red Bull and others. Both great exhibitions.

[@richardarmitage5757]

Still my favourite racing driver. Totally balls out. My other favourite Colin McRae.

[@tompsmith]

My hero. Used to record the Indy races at 2am as a young teenager, loved that era

[@paulstone3209]

My idol the reason I started watching F1 was there 92 British GP what an atmosphere, 91 got Senna's ear plugs!!!!

[@miloudiben]

A big part of me getting interested in motorsport. Loved watching Indycar when Mansell was involved, must go to the museum.

[@j_e_hill]

I was there in Nigel’s pit during that qualifying lap at Michigan! Peak Indy Car and it was such a thing to see it up close. I really loved that Nigel was here racing in the US. He was so fun to watch race.

[@XXformula]

I don't think anything will ever come close to 90's CART. Formula 1 and CART in the first half of the 90's were my first true loves of motorsport when I was a little guy. I know the rose colored glasses are in play here but when you re-watch some of those old CART races from the late 80's until about 01' they really were that good.

[@chrisbarrettFilmstudio]

I love how humble and forth coming Nigel is. If there was ever a man who could be stuck up or about himself it’s Nigel. He’s the only person whose been the unified open wheel champion and is the only man who ever will be the unified open wheel champion. He really is the people champion

[@kevin-l7r7p]

Much respect to Nigel.

[@thatguyfromcetialphaV]

Nigel looks exactly the same as he did in 1992

[@richardmorris7063]

Ten yrs older.

[@ronaldzion4505]

Nigel was the my inspiration to fall in love with F1. It started when I wanted to build a scale model race car and Tamiya had the only kit, with driver and that was Mansell’s 1990 Ferrari. From 91 on, I never missed a race, always rooting for Mansell, mostly starting from 4:30 AM PST. When Mansell switched to to Champ car, I was fortunate to bump into him and his wife in Long Beach, CA while they were both on his scooter heading back to the pits. He took the time to not only sign my Mansell T-shirt, but also chat with my British friend for a bit about their home. What and awesome guy! An American F1 and Mansell fan for life!!

[@theaustralianconundrum]

Nigel Mansell is like the Terminator. He never ever ever ever ever gives up! Then he just gets better.

[@jeffreymancini409]

He is a real legend. A great driver in both series

[@AndyHack10]

One of the best there ever were. On and off the track an absolute class act.

[@th3orist]

i loved that era of indycars early-mid 90s

[@jaket9559]

There was one man equal to Ayrton and that was Nigel two legends

[@BilobateDrip]

Can we appreciate Nigel explaining every...single...detail about what is happening in driving and crashing. Most drivers do understand everything but can't vocalize it in a detailed but understandable manner. It's something I truly respect about him. He understands EVERYTHING that is happening and can relate it to others. For that, I will always respect what he brought to the racing world

[@thehawk05]

I was a fan of F1 and CART back in the 90’s. I still remember Nigel’s first CART race and Al Unser Sr. doing commentary and talking about the learning curve Nigel was gonna have to endure coming to CART as the cars were very different. Nigel goes out there and is the class of the field and wins the race. Still also remember the post race interview with Nigel when asked about the differences between F1 and CART cars. He said although the CART car is overall faster in a straight line due to how much power their turbo V8 had he said they “it handles like an Ox cart. It doesn’t want to stop very well either”

[@danielhenderson8316]

Yeah, they never went full carbon brakes until 2012. I always laugh when people say the late 90's F1 cars were beasts when they were loud, custom built scalpels while the Champ Cars were one size fits most sledge hammers with barely any aero and a Saturn V rocket for an engine.

[@mclarenguy22]

Absolute legend. Minimal politics, unmistakable Brummie accent.

[@ZedThirtyOne_Z31_]

bumped his head at Portugal and has had a limp ever since.....

[@ianfrench1577]

It would be nice to see Nigel attend the Indy 500 again, as a spectator or down on pit row. I think he would enjoy it

[@F8Tributo]

Nigel was a hero to me. At the Long Beach Grand Prix, I waved at his car every time he came through the hairpin! To my surprise, he waved back! In the middle of the race, at the hairpin! Got his autograph later, on a model Dodge Viper!

[@stevejpm1]

‘Il Leone’..Red 5 For ever.

[@baddogg68]

Been watching F1 for years... hunt was my fave at the time then a mega era of senna, prost and mansell he is an absolute legend understated amazing driver who should have won more.. 🏆

[@jms81661]

"I was on um..pretty strong medication for pain!" 🤣 Nigel rules the 90's.❤

[@nervo6321]

Great personality, and truly a special talent .

[@razorsharp8549]

Always been a fan of Nigel, what a gentleman.

[@phillhatton4492]

Love Mansel. Great guy!

[@mstoops64]

I’d like to know more on how he was jumped “unprofessionally” by Emmo and Arie.

[@brandspro]

Yeah, that was a bit uncharitable. I think sometimes he tends to say something before he gets the right word.

[@AlistairMaxwell77]

Nueman/Hass were on the radio just before the restart trying to coach him to "get the jump" . They knew he was restarts were not great and he was going to get swallowed up . Still though , rookie 3rd place is legendary.

[@esteve72]

Sounds a bit like sour grapes to me but that just shows his competitive fire and will to win.

[@eduardhenny5725]

He was very professionally outsmarted and jumped, just classic nagging Nige ...

[@triptechable]

What he means is he f'd the restart up. He admitted it back then. I absolutely love our nige though. My childhood hero

[@BedlemTheGoliath]

It's funny that he said either a Penske or McLaren would win the 500, since in the last lap it really did come down between a Penske and a McLaren! Good call by him.

[@davesiddons8921]

First race I ever saw was silverstone 92, been a fan ever since and Mansell is my man. One of the greatest to ever do it

[@moniquelee3623]

The last driver recruited by Enzo Ferrari in 89. The Commandatore had chosen him because he was the only one who reminded him of his “piccolo Canadese” : Gilles Villeneuve.

[@Mk1Male]

The most underrated driver in the history of driving. Nothing else to say.

[@chickbells]

If you met this guy and had no idea who he is you’d be forgiven for mistaking him for a retired geography teacher. But he is one of motorsport’s biggest legends. The Tifosi - who don’t take all Ferrari drivers to their hearts - called him Il Leone (the lion) because of how brave he was.

[@wf1g]

This is the reason we watch now. Thanks Tom.

[@TwentyWonmile]

Friend of mine brought back 'stuffed' pillow version of that Williams from Japan for my son in '92....his first born son now has it as his....Also, was at the Michigan 500 and watch Nigel run hard and win a riding mower! 😄

[@rotormasher]

Legend

[@Timmy51m]

Yes.

[@daren42]

I remember watching that Indy 500 on Sky. It was possibly the first time they showed it, and the first time I saw it, as our hero Nigel was there. Amazing, eye opening stuff. There's a whole other world of motorsport in America that I knew nothing about at the time, and it's fascinated me ever since

[@stephenlongere1140]

Ahhh The Big Red 5. I was at that Marlboro 500 when he won. After he got out of the car he was exhausted. Damn what great racing.

[@LeTon75]

Nigel always sounds so enthusiastic and upbeat when talking about his career 😂

[@phillipgrey7440]

Was at the Michigan 500, Great day, Great result.

[@SSkinner901]

Say what you will about Nigel, but his recollection of events is always unique and never lacking in imagination.

[@crazykittenvideos855]

Nigel was as tough as they come! Absolute British Lion

[@tonygeddes9558]

When Nigel was pushing hard, he was the last person in the world you'd want to be hunting you down. Utterly determined, brave and ruthless. I was lucky enough to meet him in the 90s, at a Ferrari dealership he owned near to where I lived in England. Very nice chap!

[@dobbsa]

Mansell had balls of steel. I watched him in quali at Siverstone in ‘91 take Abbey flat out coming off Hanger straight. Car was on the limit of grip and twitching as he approached the apex from 180mph, with the exception of Senna every other driver lifted.

[@triptechable]

You had Stowe and club corner before abbey my friend.

[@dobbsa]

Ah sorry. It was a long time ago! It was abbey (farm) straight into Bridge i was referring to.

[@christhomas2644]

What an absolute legend. Love hearing him talk about his career

[@smithy2]

Big Nigel fan, it was just amazing watching him go back to back f1 , indycar 🦁

[@xtnese]

Mansell is a Legend, never forgot the tyre blow out in Adelaide which cost him the Championship. Great Man, Great World Driver Champion.

[@O_homem_que_ri]

On ovals, any minor crash can total a car. No tire barrier, nothing to soften the impact.

[@bobarmstrong3218]

I remember when Mansell blew a rear tyre on Deqeteville Road Straight in Adelaide South Australia, he managed to wrestle the Williams F1 without hitting anything. Great driver.

[@carlobalzer3238]

F1 legend 🙌 🇬🇧👍

[@chadbuckley3162]

Motorsports legend

[@jaxonjaxoff3291]

His 1993 season was insane. He never raced on ovals ever. And won.

[@danielhenderson8316]

He won more ovals than road courses, but his Foo Ford Cosworth engine that blew up when Michael Andretti led a race in 1992 matured into an afterburner.

[@plantfeeder6677]

Was at Laguna Seca in '93 when he clinched the championship. All he had to do was start the race that's how dominant he was that year.

[@CaffeinatedMoustache]

I am so happy to see that mansell had since recovered from his outing with hammond clarkson and may, that arrow must have stung.

[@captainjosue]

One word comes to mind when I think of Nigel: BALLS. This guy had more balls and courage then all the F1 field combined during his time. He won the F1 championship and had the courage to come to indycar and win!!! Truly remarkable driver unlike todays boring, vanilla F1 drivers who lack the courage, masculine strength that Nigel had. Thank you Nigel for being the driver we admire.

[@will4may175]

I first seen a John Player Special GP car in late 70s and loved the look of it, bad family meant I couldnt watch any tv until early 80s which is when Mansell was driving it, and watched the sport up until Mika Hakinen retired, and started again just before Max started his title wining as my lad got into it, seen some amazing things and sad things happen over the years, I thought Mansell was awesome, last of the drivers that didnt do all this fitness training yet still at the front end, followed him when he left for Indy and the things he was doing there was normal F1 driving for him yet ran rings around those there, loved it, shame about the next year but abroken back will do things to you.

[@outfield1988]

Watched ever race that Nigel raced in Indy car the man was the best.

[@billhoward1155]

The caution came out with 19 laps left. The reason for the yellow was the St. James car stalled before the entrance to the pits, so the yellow was imminent. It was fun watching Nigel through the years.

[@Tarek_ElMaddah]

He’s my all time favourite, most entertaining ever in a Sunday race.

[@Jyllenberg]

My racing hero from late eighties! A real legend.

[@kpsig]

If Nigel had the support to start at an earlier age, he would easily be up there with the top 5. in my eyes, he is, in any case.

[@FelipeHenchen]

Bro... just love that guy, pretty much a intense driver!

[@johnllewellyn3481]

Only ever got to one F.1 race. Silverstone was it 89 dunno but I was there at club sinking depthchargers as Nigel reeled in Pique (sic). Truly remarkable lap after lap Nigel gained and as we all know took the victory. Spectators piled onto the track climbing over 15 foot catch fences until race stewards opened gates to allow fans on to the track. As I watched all my pals had gone so I sheepishly followed . I passed race cars that had been left which were lower than my own knee. I touched a still hot tyre and my finger sank to the knuckle. Anywho, I followed the crowd at the back looking where they were looking and then from behind I heard a pathetic honk I turned to look and there right in front of me was Nigel in what I can only described as a bread van. What struck me most was how exhausted he looked. I was face to face with the Champion until others turned then it became a free for all. People were passing their cameras to me to take photos ( I often wonder if they were any good). Anyway it was a very good day in my life. Johnnie Llewellyn

[@emilioc700]

One of the greatest pure racing drivers of all time.

[@paulfreeman5756]

O nigel Mansel your one of our own you legend

[@PhilipCockram]

One of the greatest times for Motorsport .

[@crambo765]

Nigel Mansel balls of steel. He single handily got me I treated in formula one by coming to Indycar. Pulled off some of the most incredible passes I’ve ever seen. With better luck would’ve been a 3 time champion

[@eduardhenny5725]

with smarter and faster driving indeed, but he didn't...

[@eduardhenny1]

He was a master of letting it slip. A great driver but a very flawed one. Not even close to Prost, Senna or even Piquet

[@StevenPine-s8t]

A true SPORTSMAN! Always liked his style.

[@francescaroat2076]

Great Nigel! One of my favourite driver! Really great!🤩🥰💙

[@michaelb9664]

The guy is an absolute legend from what was IMO the best era of F1.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

Nigel is a true legend….insanely brave

[@xanderlee4733]

Tough as nails.

[@missinglink9973]

one of the best racers in my opinion just a great all around race driver.

[@dracorpgroup]

A gentleman and role model for young people in any sport or career. Victory is really the trademark of achievement. It is not about money or even public fame. It is about personal achievement, in any field of effort. There is one video clip showing him at the end of the race and he was pulled out of the car, soaking wet, exhausted. I think that it was Monaco, but not sure. We have to acknowledge his wife. Unlike a lot of women these days she was right there at his side. So, we have to say that. It is her achievement, too.

[@tonynewman8586]

Their needs to be a film made of Nigel Mansell / personally I believe he was the greatest ever - he didn’t mess around / he was hell bent on beating the so called greats / he was just incredible 👍

[@f1kwa399]

He waved to me, got in his Indy car and crashed at PIR, I saw him next at Laguna Seca, having followed him through this F1 career, he could be controversial out of the car but so exciting behind the wheel.

[@chadbuckley3162]

Wish more F1 drivers would attempt the Indy500 I wish Monaco was on a different weekend

[@AlanpittsS2a]

Funny story. I was fortunate enough to be a volunteer marshal at Le Mans in 2010 and Nigel crashed right in front of us in the opening stages of the race. He was in pain and we were carrying him to the ambulance and he was still trying to be happy and so I said I have watched you for years and always wanted to meet you and he did not miss a second he said oh I always wanted to meet you to so I decided to stop right here. I always thought it was funny

[@victoriaharbach5968]

I love Nigel Mansell he my hero

[@vinewood8295]

If not for a late scrape of the wall & rookie mistake on a restart, he'd have added Indy to his list of accomplishes for 92 & 93... He says he got jumped un-professionally on the restart, ummm NO bud THAT was racing & THAT was the Indy 500 with only a handful of laps remaining, there's no gentlemen's agreement...

[@teffhoward9134]

A true legend. Nigel wasn't a spoilt rich kid whose Daddy paid for him to race. He scrimped and saved and even remortgaged his house to follow his dream.