Dust CART?

Sir,

I am writing as a motor sport enthusiast of some 30 years, with some concern about the continual “Mansell Mania” which seems to be sweeping the country still. Since his decision to leave F1 to go to CART racing we have been “bombarded” with everything from, “is this the end of F1” to what Nigel has for breakfast in America. It has reached such a pitch that some “person” is looking to build an oval track in the midlands, to get a CART race in this country, supposedly to see Nigel dicing with the likes of Andretti Snr and Mr, Fittipaldi and co. What is it all coming to?

Surely this continual, almost “hero worship” of Nigel Mansell must stop. OK, Nigel’s gone to CART racing – good luck to him – but let’s keep the thing in perspective. Was there this “mania” when Jackie Stewart retired, or when Jim Clark was killed or when Gilles Villeneuve was killed, remembering that all three were truly great drivers? No, their loss was only of concern to people who are enthusiasts and who love the sport.

In the cold light of day somebody will replace Nigel Mansell and we can all return to some degree of normality and enjoy the start of another season. I look forward to this with some relish, as there will be new faces in the cockpits and some unknown quantities in cars which potentially can win races, the first such season for some time.

So let’s leave Nigel to race in America, and look forward to perhaps a more fascinating season than we have had for sometime.

G Russell,
Hanwell, London W7.