Ultra-successful 1960s team owner Alan Mann dies aged 75
Alan Mann, whose eponymous racing stable was a major force in international touring car and GT racing with Ford in the 1960s, has died at the age of 75 following a long illness
Between 1964 and '69 his Alan Mann Racing squad was one of the best in the business, winning titles in European and British Touring Cars and contributing to a pair of world sportscar manufacturers' crowns for Ford.
Drivers that raced the famous red and gold machines during the period included Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Bruce McLaren, Jacky Ickx and Frank Gardner.
A notable driver himself in his early twenties, Mann's acumen as a team manager was realised when he initiated a racing programme for the Ford dealership he was working for at the time; Andrews of Southwick.
After running Jimmy Blumer in the Andrews Racing Ford Cortina GT, the team was invited to take part at the 1963 Marlboro 12 Hours in the USA, and shocked the establishment by coming first and second thanks to the efforts of Blumer and John Whitmore.
Alan Mann Racing was set up shortly afterwards as a Ford-contracted team and almost scored a sensational debut victory on the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, but the event's handicapping system meant that the Ford Falcon of Bosse Ljungfeldt was placed second, despite going fastest on every stage.
It was on the racetracks of the world where its biggest successes came however, initially in touring cars. Sir John Whitmore won the up to 1600cc class of the 1965 ETCC in a Lotus Cortina while Gardner used both Escort and Falcon machinery to take back-to-back BTCC crowns in 1967-68.
The team also led the build and preparation programme for the fast but fragile Ford F3L sportscar.
Mann withdrew his team from racing in 1969 as its Ford contract ended and instead switched his focus to the aviation industry, but he revived the squad in 2004 with his son Henry, which continues to compete in high-profile historic events to the present day.
Previous article
Dave Newsham tops Silverstone BTCC test for ES Vauxhall squad
Next article
The 2012 British Touring Car grid guide
The green light shining for the BTCC's hybrid future
The Cosworth Electronics-developed BTCC hybrid system made its public debut in the most recent round at Silverstone. It's simple, but could significantly change the series' technical challenges for both the drivers and the teams
The restored BSCC battler back in its family's hands after 50 years
The Imps of George Bevan became famous in British Saloon Car Championship competition during the early 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of a small band of enthusiasts, including Bevan's grandson Jonathan, one of the ex-Bill McGovern title winners has recently returned to the race track
The increasingly varied CV behind a new BTCC title challenger
A driver with limited funds behind him, it’s been a tough road to the top of the British Touring Car Championship for Jake Hill. Now he’s a title contender, accomplished historic racer and in-demand coach. It’s a great life for this self-confessed motorsport junkie
The outright tin-top wins achieved by a forgotten tin-top great
Already established as a formidable force in the British Saloon Car Championship, the Triumph Dolomite became a legend in 1977 when Tony Dron's Broadspeed machine frequently embarrassed the mighty Capris
Five key plotlines to follow in the 2021 BTCC
It’s been a busy silly season in the BTCC since the chequered flag fell to end the 2020 campaign last November. While last year’s top two have stayed put, there’s plenty of talking points elsewhere, which should result in another fascinating year of tin-top action
The giantkilling 'dad and lad' operation taking on the BTCC's best
The Lancashire squad of Ciceley Motorsport has been a BTCC race winner for several years with Adam Morgan and Mercedes. But the switch to WSR-built BMWs and addition of Tom Chilton as a true barometer for Morgan should see the team step up into title contention
How a returning champion is feeling at home again in the BTCC
After topping the times at the end of British Touring Car Championship pre-season testing, it feels like Gordon Shedden has never been away. But after plenty of changes behind the scenes, the three-time champion is bedding himself in to pick up where he left off
Why a BTCC legend remains defiant at '97 not out'
After a year of enforced absence from the British Touring Car Championship grid, Jason Plato is back and hungrier than ever. Despite stellar opposition and some familiar challenges, the two-time champion still has his eyes focused on the biggest prizes
