Mansell takes IAM reins

New motoring group president aims to more educate drivers than ever before

By PH Staff / Monday, 9 January 2006 / Loading comments

Mansell: aims to educate drivers

F1 star Nigel Mansell has been appointed President of the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).

Mansell passed his advanced driving test last August, 19 years after scoring his first F1 victory at Brands Hatch and brings a lifetime of driving experience to the IAM.

"I believe driving expertise isn't just for the race track," said Mansell. "My grandfather always told me that it is no good lying on a hospital bed saying 'But I had the right of way'. That is why drivers can gain so much from preparing for their IAM test.

"I am honoured to take the presidency of such a well regarded organisation and I hope that in this, its 50th anniversary year, we can inform and educate more drivers and riders than ever before,” he said.

Welcoming the appointment, IAM Chairman John Maxwell said: "I am delighted that Nigel has accepted the invitation to be our new president. He is a well respected public figure, with immense driving experience. As well as his legendary track record, Nigel has consistently campaigned for safety on the road and I know that drivers of all ages will regard him as a leading proponent of safety, both on and off the track."

With 31 GP wins, Mansell joins racing drivers John Surtees, the late Graham Hill, Sir Stirling Moss and motorcyclist Geoff Duke who have all passed their IAM test.

The most recent incumbent was The Duke of Gloucester, who held the position for 32 years but was ejected from the IAM a year ago after four speeding offences in three years. For the last one, he was driving at 70mph in August 2004 on the A47 at Thorney, Cambridgeshire, where the limit is 60mph. He got three points and an automatic 12-month ban under the totting-up procedure.