British motorsport legend Nigel Mansell CBE is the latest celebrity addition to an all-star line-up of golfing professionals and celebrities at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, which returns to Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire for the 84th edition of the prestigious event this August.
With Mansell returning for a second consecutive year, other high-profile stars set to play the Nailcote Hall course this August, include former England and Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor, ex-Aston Villa and Bayern Munich striker Alan McInally and ‘Harry Potter’ actor Oliver Phelps. Sky Sports and Talksport presenter Max Rushden, and athletics star Kriss Akabusi add to the roster of stars due to play.
Mansell’s greatest achievements came in 1992, registering five straight victories at the start of the season and helping him take home the Formula 1 Driver’s World Championship and winning the BBC Sports of the Personality of the Year award for the second time, on his way to 31 career F1 race wins. He then took the decision to switch codes and added the CART Indy Car World Series to his trophy cabinet in 1993, thereby confirming his status as one of the best racing drivers the UK has ever produced.
Mansell said: “It’s going to be a great four days at Nailcote Hall, as ever, at a testing course that is no easy task for anyone in the field, whether they’re a pro or a celebrity.
“I played in the event for the first-time last year and had so much fun. I enjoyed the golf and wanted to make sure I could come back again.”
James Taylor was capped seven times by England at Test level before his early retirement in summer 2016, due to the diagnosis of a serious heart condition. McInally had a prolific spell at Aston Villa between 1987 and 1989, helping them to promotion before securing a transfer to German giants Bayern Munich, as well as winning eight caps for Scotland.
Phelps played George Weasley in the wizarding world, along with twin brother James in the successful film series. Rushden has co-hosted Sky’s ‘Soccer AM’, as well as presenting sports shows across Talksport, BBC Radio 5 Live and the Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast. Team GB sprint star Akabusi medalled at the 1984 LA and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games as part of the 4x400m relay team, taking bronze in the individual race in the Catalan city, and won a dramatic 1991 World Championship gold in the relay, alongside Derek Redmond.
Ryder Cup Captain and Championship host Tony Jacklin said: “It’s great to have a British sporting icon such as Nigel Mansell back at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship. He is a true legend of motorsport, and we can’t wait to see him back in action at the Hall in August.
Organisers of the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship are leading brand agency Champions (UK) plc, with Managing Director Matthew Hayes commenting: “We’re delighted to have James Taylor come and play in the event for the first time.
“Up until his retirement he was fast becoming a key player for England, but has now forged a successful media career in a short space of time. We’re really looking forward to seeing him at Nailcote Hall.”
Spectators looking to make the trip to Nailcote Hall in August can register for free tickets on the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship website at: britishpar3.com/booking/event-ticket/2017.
