Mansell's Experience Disappointment at Mont-TremblantBy Carl Wagenfohr
Leo Mansell goes airborne over Mont-Tremblant's turn 2 curbing after being hit from behind by his teammate, Kevin Lacroix. The third round of the 2008 Formula Atlantic series, held at the picturesque and challenging circuit at Mont-Tremblant in Quebec on June 29, ended in disappointment for Leo and Greg Mansell, sons of part-time Clearwater resident and 1992 Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell. Bad luck first struck Greg, who had qualified 11th. During a pre-race warm-up session on Sunday morning, Luis Schiavo hit Greg from the rear, sending him into a concrete barrier and causing extensive damage to Greg's race car. Observers said that Greg appeared to suffer a brief period of unconsciousness before the safety team arrived. Greg's car was withdrawn from the race. Misfortune befell Leo later in the day. He was driving a steady race, strategically moving his way toward the front. The 23 year old started from 17th position and gained a spot on lap five. Following a restart on lap 24, the trouble began. Leo's teammate, Kevin Lacroix, caught up with the pack and was just behind him as the green flag fell. Thinking he had more room, Lacroix tried to pass Leo, but unfortunately came into contact with the #15 Sunseeker car, sending it over the turn 2 curbing, breaking its suspension and ending the Brit's day. Both Greg and Leo Mansell flew home to the UK to regroup for the next event in Edmonton on July 25-26. After the race, team owner Derrick Walker said, “The only good thing about the Mont Tremblant race, apart from the fact that it is a great racetrack, is that we are finished and now leaving. Obviously, Walker Racing today was an absolute disaster.” In an obvious reference to Lacroix causing Leo Mansell's crash, he added, “ By definition we are a team, but today I don't think we necessarily functioned as one. So now we move on and we are looking forward to Edmonton."
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