The car was called the Manic-GRAC. With sponsorship from Gitanes cigarettes, it was campaigned by the company's own team, l'Écurie Manic, in Formula C. Serge Soumille had traveled from his home in France to Québec to accompany his wife, singer and Eurovision winner Rachel Ros, on a tour of the province. In France Soumille worked in electronics for a French automaker while also being involved in racing, and was interested in finding a ride while in Canada. He met Jacques Duval, founder and editor-in-chief of Guide de l'auto, who gave him About's address. After paying About a visit, Soumille was hired to drive the Manic-GRAC. What was supposed to have been a three month sojourn in Québec turned into a three year stay for Soumille.
