Jon Mann speaks about a new addition to his car collection, and what it feels like for NASCAR tyres to hit UK soil. 

Each year, NASCAR holds over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 48 US states, as well as Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Europe. But in the UK, only 25 NASCAR race cars are seen on the tracks.  

Jon Mann, from Nottingham, recently bought a genuine 2017 NASCAR after being in motorsports for 42 years.  The car, which cost around £15,000,  is safe to drive in a category called Super Saloons. 

NASCAR was founded in 1948, but originally stems from the prohibition era in the 1920s when drivers modified their cars to transport illegal alcohol. This led to informal races amongst moonshiners.  

In 1947, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) was established, with the first race taking place in February 1948 in Daytona Beach, where American driver Red Byron victoriously raced. 

Mann’s new car was taken for its first spin in October at Santa Pod Raceway in Poddington, Bedfordshire.  

First opened in 1966, Santa Pod is Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue and was built on a disused Second World War RAF airbase.  

When asked how the opportunity to race it came about, Mann explained that the NASCAR group had got in touch with Santa Pod to run a few cars as demonstration runs. 

“It was my first race meeting to test the car,” he said. 

“So yes, I was a bit nervous of how it would go. 

“But went really well and had good results of the car’s performance.”  

Mann revealed that, while this is his “best and rarest car yet,” he is no beginner to the industry.  He has also driven a Brisca Formula 1 stockcar, in the National ‘Super Rod’ championship racing, Thunder Saloons and Vauxhall Calibras.  

Mann owns, races and prepares the cars amongst a team of three or four other men. Their workshop, “The Bug Barn” in Kegworth, Nottingham, is where John stores his cars.  

Future plans for Jon Mann and his car are to  “race successfully,” “have fun” and “win races.” But he explained that it must be converted from the American specifications to the UK alternatives.  

He plans to shine a light on his NASCAR through a Facebook page, as well as advertising it online as much as possible. Next year, he’ll appear at shows including Silverstone, USA Snetterton, Donington Park and Shelsley. He’ll also return to Santa Pod Raceway, where the car first raced in the UK, for three more shows next summer.  

So, will you be revving your engines or cheering from the sidelines? One thing is for sure – not many will be driving a NASCAR on the tracks next year.  

Image credit: Jon Mann