Nelson started in motorsport at a very young age. His early childhood was spent at the racetrack as his father Jay competed across North America in both the SCCA and CASC in Formula VEE in a car designed and built by Nelson’s father and grandfather, leading to much success.

Competing across the US in Karts led to the success that would carry him to cars when he was 16, and to Europe when he was 17.

While racing in Europe, Nelson also studied for his BEng Motorsport Engineering degree, to assist in his further climb of the Motorsport ladder. Although lacking the financial backing to get into the best seats, his performances and car development capability in less than competitive machinery allowed him to remain on the grid, leading to the 2013 European Formula 3 Winter Series Championship title, and a 3rd place in the Full season championship that year, with 4 wins and 7 podiums, with 5 pole positions, with Lap records at Paul Ricard, Jerez, Portimao, Nurburgring, Monza, and Spa Francorchamps. The winter series title and season wins got him invited to the 2013 Macau GP with the Zeller Motorsport squad, scoring them their best ever Macau and Formula 3 result.

Another development drive was then offered, giving him a seat in the 2014 GP3 Series on the Formula 1 Weekend Support bill. Standout performances were marred by mechanical gremlins throughout the year, but did award him a guest drive in the 2014 Formula 3 European Open season finale, where he scored the teams only podium finish of the year, with a 2nd place.

2017 saw Mason jump up to World Series by Renault, Formula V8 3.5. At the first weekend at Silverstone, Mason came out of the gates to break the lap record and raise the competitive bar, with a clear statement of talent. However, backing difficulties prevented any further progress up the European ladder, bringing Mason stateside for the 2018 season and beyond.

2018 saw Mason score another podium in his first ever closed cockpit/closed wheel experience, in the Porsche Cup Challenge, running in both the US and Canada.

Now working as development driver in Prototypes, the big asset Mason has been able to bring to teams is the ability to push a car up the grid, through driving capability, racecraft, and car development. Having raced all over the world, experience on some of the world’s best and most challenging racing circuits has developed him thoroughly. And being able to apply the vast knowledge and experience to those coming up through the ranks, or learning the sport, is something Nelson thrives on.

Nelson Mason

Meet Nelson Mason