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Mansell waves off Beaujolais Run at Brands

Mansell waves off Beaujolais Run at Brands

17 November 2010

1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell was at Brands Hatch in order to signal the start of the Beaujolais Run, which involves a selection of cars travelling from Kent to the heart of Burgundy’s vineyards in France - passing legendary Grand Prix venues Dijon and Reims on the way - in order to raise funds for the Henry Surtees Foundation.

Mansell was joined on the grid at Brands Hatch by two fellow former drivers, MotorSport Vision head Jonathan Palmer and 1964 World Champion John Surtees, with the event supporting the recently-established Henry Surtees Foundation after John’s son tragically lost his life at the track in a Formula 2 accident last year.


Surtees, Mansell and Palmer prepare for action on the Brabham Straight
Surtees, Mansell and Palmer prepare for action on the Brabham Straight

Any car is able to take part in the Beaujolais Run and this resulted in an assorted selection of vehicles ranging from Aston Martin, Ferrari and Maserati supercars to British classics from Triumph, Lotus and Jaguar.

Also present was Surtees’ own TS7 Formula 1 machine, which acted as a pace car for three laps of the Indy circuit before peeling off as the competitors left the venue and began the 1,200-mile journey which will end in France.

“I was absolutely delighted to lend my support in memory of Henry,” Mansell commented.

“It is with mixed feelings that I returned to Brands Hatch,” added John. “Memories of my father competing on the grass track, my first ever road race on the new tarmac circuit in 1950 and the wins that I had on both two and four wheels, but all overshadowed by the death of my son in that freak accident on 19 July 2009.

“But Henry lives on with all the action that is taking place in the Foundation we have created in his name. The Beaujolais Run has allowed us to be part of their team and co-operate in raising money and having fun for the good causes that we support. Have a great Run.”

Related

Series
  Formula 2
  Formula 1

Personalities
  Henry Surtees
  John Surtees
  Jonathan Palmer
  Nigel Mansell

Other
  Get your official Formula 1 tickets at Sportstadium.com

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