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1 April 2020 | Jess Bell
2020 Garagistic BMW Driver's Cup | Round 1
After 12 months off the track (and dying to get back out), around mid-2019 Leigh and I started talking about competing in the full season of the BMW Driver’s Cup for 2020. Although I’ve dabbled in sprints and racing for many years now, I’ve never actually completed a full season.
Come late-2019 we started serious discussions around completing the full season and building a new engine. Unfortunately, the new engine wasn’t going to be ready for round 1, but we’ll hopefully see it later in the year.
The 2020 calendar was set in late-2019 with 7 rounds, seeing us travel between Sandown, Winton, The Bend, Phillip Island and Wakefield Park. We kicked round 1 off at Sandown on 14-16 February. Mother nature decided it was fitting to throw all four seasons at us over the weekend. I was already feeling fairly nervous about driving for the first time in so long. Even though I’ve done more laps than I can count around Sandown, this was my first race meeting there.
Friday brought us three practice sessions. I found myself just trying to get back into the swing of things in the first two sessions and starting to feel pretty good. We then had a massive downpour right before our third session. They had to cancel the OLT (Observed Licence Test) session because it was too dangerous for the newbies. Many of the other drivers also decided it was a good time to pack things up and end their day, leaving only 4 of us to brave the rain. Anyone who has driven Sandown before will know just how slippery the track can be.
On Saturday we were straight into Qualifying on a damp track. With each lap, I was dropping 2 seconds on my lap time as my confidence started to return. This put me in 9th position for the first race.
The first race was later on Saturday afternoon. It was a fairly uneventful race. I was still finding my feet in the wet and was chasing down Paul Shiff, finishing right where I started in 9th. It was definitely one of those “if only I had another couple of laps” kind of races. On Sunday we had our final two races and finally some sunshine and dry track. Dad and my brother Chris had both given me plenty of tips of how and where I could improve and I was ready to go.
Come late-2019 we started serious discussions around completing the full season and building a new engine. Unfortunately, the new engine wasn’t going to be ready for round 1, but we’ll hopefully see it later in the year.
The 2020 calendar was set in late-2019 with 7 rounds, seeing us travel between Sandown, Winton, The Bend, Phillip Island and Wakefield Park. We kicked round 1 off at Sandown on 14-16 February. Mother nature decided it was fitting to throw all four seasons at us over the weekend. I was already feeling fairly nervous about driving for the first time in so long. Even though I’ve done more laps than I can count around Sandown, this was my first race meeting there.
Friday brought us three practice sessions. I found myself just trying to get back into the swing of things in the first two sessions and starting to feel pretty good. We then had a massive downpour right before our third session. They had to cancel the OLT (Observed Licence Test) session because it was too dangerous for the newbies. Many of the other drivers also decided it was a good time to pack things up and end their day, leaving only 4 of us to brave the rain. Anyone who has driven Sandown before will know just how slippery the track can be.
On Saturday we were straight into Qualifying on a damp track. With each lap, I was dropping 2 seconds on my lap time as my confidence started to return. This put me in 9th position for the first race.
The first race was later on Saturday afternoon. It was a fairly uneventful race. I was still finding my feet in the wet and was chasing down Paul Shiff, finishing right where I started in 9th. It was definitely one of those “if only I had another couple of laps” kind of races. On Sunday we had our final two races and finally some sunshine and dry track. Dad and my brother Chris had both given me plenty of tips of how and where I could improve and I was ready to go.
Plenty was going on at the start of the first Sunday race, I had too much wheel spin off the start and had an unlucky Geoff Bowles break down on the grid in front of me. This allowed Stuart Clarke (who got a great start) by both Paul and I who started side by side on the grid. A few laps in, Paul was able to get by Stuart and I knew that if I didn’t follow, I’d lose him. Sure enough, I saw an opening heading into turn 6 coming off the back straight and went up his inside, managing to keep Paul within my sights.
It wasn’t long before Paul and I were tussling for seventh position. I was able to get by Paul three laps later, although he managed to do what I had done to Stuart the following lap. I wasn’t going to let that stick and again took back seventh position, managing to stay ahead of him until the chequered flag.
Heading into the last race, I was finally starting to feel at ease in my car and feeling like I was back into the swing of things. I knew Geoff was starting on the rear of the grid after not finishing the previous race and it wouldn’t be long before I’d be fighting him for position. This time, I got a great start, however as the race continued I saw Geoff’s red car edging closer and closer. With four laps to go, Geoff was on my tail. I managed to keep him behind me for two of those and then he was able to get by. I stuck on him but unfortunately it wasn’t enough, we crossed the finish line with only the nose of his car out in front of me. Without realising, I managed to finish the race in 7th position because Alex Jory had some gearbox dramas on the second last lap, rendering him unable to finish. On Sunday I had some of the closest racing I’ve ever experienced with Paul and Geoff. I finished the weekend sixth in the championship – a start I’m pretty happy with considering how long it had been since I was last on track. It’s left me itching for the next round.
I must thank my family and team at Bell Motorsport. Without them, I wouldn’t have a car and I wouldn’t have the incredible support that we bring to each round. Their support is second to none.
I must also thank Minami Media + Production. Without Minami, I simply wouldn’t be on track and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
We were due to have round 2 at Winton at the end of March and round 3 at The Bend at the end of May but they were both cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m itching for the next round... whenever that may be.
- Jess Bell Images: Leigh Kelly/Minami Media + Production
It wasn’t long before Paul and I were tussling for seventh position. I was able to get by Paul three laps later, although he managed to do what I had done to Stuart the following lap. I wasn’t going to let that stick and again took back seventh position, managing to stay ahead of him until the chequered flag.
Heading into the last race, I was finally starting to feel at ease in my car and feeling like I was back into the swing of things. I knew Geoff was starting on the rear of the grid after not finishing the previous race and it wouldn’t be long before I’d be fighting him for position. This time, I got a great start, however as the race continued I saw Geoff’s red car edging closer and closer. With four laps to go, Geoff was on my tail. I managed to keep him behind me for two of those and then he was able to get by. I stuck on him but unfortunately it wasn’t enough, we crossed the finish line with only the nose of his car out in front of me. Without realising, I managed to finish the race in 7th position because Alex Jory had some gearbox dramas on the second last lap, rendering him unable to finish. On Sunday I had some of the closest racing I’ve ever experienced with Paul and Geoff. I finished the weekend sixth in the championship – a start I’m pretty happy with considering how long it had been since I was last on track. It’s left me itching for the next round.
I must thank my family and team at Bell Motorsport. Without them, I wouldn’t have a car and I wouldn’t have the incredible support that we bring to each round. Their support is second to none.
I must also thank Minami Media + Production. Without Minami, I simply wouldn’t be on track and I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
We were due to have round 2 at Winton at the end of March and round 3 at The Bend at the end of May but they were both cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m itching for the next round... whenever that may be.
- Jess Bell Images: Leigh Kelly/Minami Media + Production
02 January 2019 | Graeme Bell
Welcome to our new website!
Welcome to our new updated website!
With a new year upon us we thought it time to update the old one and start fresh for 2019, with a new host platform and format that allows us to update it more regularly and keep everyone up to date with upcoming events and stories about things we have done.
We had another successful year last year with Chris winning the 2018 E30 Racing Championship. We are very proud of his efforts, especially considering his back injury that sidelined him for a while.
With a new year upon us we thought it time to update the old one and start fresh for 2019, with a new host platform and format that allows us to update it more regularly and keep everyone up to date with upcoming events and stories about things we have done.
We had another successful year last year with Chris winning the 2018 E30 Racing Championship. We are very proud of his efforts, especially considering his back injury that sidelined him for a while.
We are very much a family-based business and this runs to our customers too, we like to think of you all as our BMW family and share our passion for BMW’s and for the E30 in particular as much as we do.
We look forward to helping you in some way in 2019 and beyond and can’t wait to see what the future brings.
- The Team at Bell Motorsport
We look forward to helping you in some way in 2019 and beyond and can’t wait to see what the future brings.
- The Team at Bell Motorsport
13 November 2018 | Chris Bell
Road to the 2018 Garagistic E30 Racing Championship
The 2018 season started off with high hopes, confidence and only 1 goal, to win the championship!
For several years I've wanted to join my brother and my dad as winners of the series. I've never had the funds to do a full season, but have always done reasonably well.
The year started as planned, winning the first round at Winton and then taking out second at Wakefield Park. From then on is where all the troubles started for me this year. In April I injured my back at work and was unable to walk properly, I was told that I couldn't drive a car or race for 3 months at a minimum. I lost all independence, which then led me to losing my job after nearly 5 years, but somehow with the help of my amazing family and friends, many doctors, physiotherapy and many appointments, I managed to only missed round 3 of the championship at Sandown. Luckily in the championship we are able to drop one round, this was it for me.
I finally got back in the car for the first time at a BMWDCM sprint day, only to get through 3 sessions before having to sit out the rest of the day from the pain. This was 2 weeks before my return to racing at Phillip Island for round 4, it was a huge step and achievement of how far I had come since the injury.
Round 4 was a massive struggle for me mentally and physically with the high loads and demands of racing, yet a big tick for moving forward and pursuing the goal which was still in the back of my mind! In trying conditions all weekend I managed 2nd for the round which was a huge achievement and success!
Round 5 was the big one, two 1 hour races at Winton, which included a driver change! With a month between events the body had a bit of time to improve again and although not all thatflash mentally and physically, Brett Dickie (my co-driver) and I managed to again bring the car home in 2nd for both races. After several minor issues throughout the weekend, we weren’t going to let anything stop us from putting the car on the podium again!
The sixth and final round came around pretty quickly on Melbourne Cup long weekend, finishing up again at Phillip Island with 3 races, including a 1 hour single driver endurance race to end the year.
We did the calculations and going into the weekend, all I had to do was finish fourth for the round and we would win the championship by 1 point. Friday practice was a typical day at the Island with heaps of rain but still some sunshine. Of course the sunshine only came out when we weren't on track but we managed to top the timesheets during the day and all was looking good. Saturday came, and we qualified fourth, then finished fourth and second in the 2 sprint races with some great battles all race with Cam Hudson! With the body struggling to cope, I was not looking forward to the final race of 1 hour Sunday morning.
I ran the season on an extremely tight budget and with a 3-yr. old engine that had been blowing smoke and down on power. We
For several years I've wanted to join my brother and my dad as winners of the series. I've never had the funds to do a full season, but have always done reasonably well.
The year started as planned, winning the first round at Winton and then taking out second at Wakefield Park. From then on is where all the troubles started for me this year. In April I injured my back at work and was unable to walk properly, I was told that I couldn't drive a car or race for 3 months at a minimum. I lost all independence, which then led me to losing my job after nearly 5 years, but somehow with the help of my amazing family and friends, many doctors, physiotherapy and many appointments, I managed to only missed round 3 of the championship at Sandown. Luckily in the championship we are able to drop one round, this was it for me.
I finally got back in the car for the first time at a BMWDCM sprint day, only to get through 3 sessions before having to sit out the rest of the day from the pain. This was 2 weeks before my return to racing at Phillip Island for round 4, it was a huge step and achievement of how far I had come since the injury.
Round 4 was a massive struggle for me mentally and physically with the high loads and demands of racing, yet a big tick for moving forward and pursuing the goal which was still in the back of my mind! In trying conditions all weekend I managed 2nd for the round which was a huge achievement and success!
Round 5 was the big one, two 1 hour races at Winton, which included a driver change! With a month between events the body had a bit of time to improve again and although not all thatflash mentally and physically, Brett Dickie (my co-driver) and I managed to again bring the car home in 2nd for both races. After several minor issues throughout the weekend, we weren’t going to let anything stop us from putting the car on the podium again!
The sixth and final round came around pretty quickly on Melbourne Cup long weekend, finishing up again at Phillip Island with 3 races, including a 1 hour single driver endurance race to end the year.
We did the calculations and going into the weekend, all I had to do was finish fourth for the round and we would win the championship by 1 point. Friday practice was a typical day at the Island with heaps of rain but still some sunshine. Of course the sunshine only came out when we weren't on track but we managed to top the timesheets during the day and all was looking good. Saturday came, and we qualified fourth, then finished fourth and second in the 2 sprint races with some great battles all race with Cam Hudson! With the body struggling to cope, I was not looking forward to the final race of 1 hour Sunday morning.
I ran the season on an extremely tight budget and with a 3-yr. old engine that had been blowing smoke and down on power. We
knew that the 1 hour race was going to push the engine but we gave it everything we had. Sunday morning's race came and we pushed hard for 55 minutes, holding down 3rd spot until the engine lost power, rattled and lost oil pressure. At this point I thought it was all over, I got on the radio to Dad and told him I didn't think I was going to finish. Dad encouraged me to keep going, I just needed to finish, we only had 5 minutes to go. "Just do what you can to get it across the line. Go as slow as you need" – Dad's encouragement kept me going. Somehow, I was 3/4s of a lap in front of the next few cars, so I limped the rattling car around for 2 laps hoping the engine would hold together to cross the line. These were the 2 longest laps I’ve ever done at Phillip Island and were probably the hardest of the year. Eventually on the last corner, my sister of all people, passed me and crossed the line just before I was able to, making the moment even sweeter. I HAD JUST WON THE 2018 CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! By a solitary point!!
Limping into the pits with a car and engine in about the same condition as my body was all made worth it when I saw so many of my close friends and family there all clapping, crying, popping party poppers and all dressed in t-shirts dedicated to me! A moment I will never forget for so many reasons!
There are lots of people that deserved to be thanked, but no more than my dad, Graeme Bell, this man has not only taught, encouraged and inspired me for as long as I can remember but continuously worked tirelessly to make sure I am happy on and off the track. To not only put my name on the championship trophy next to his and my brother, but to also do it in the same car he did it in 15 years ago was such an amazing achievement for me and a moment/year I’ll never forget.
For the rest of the family Jo, Jess, Sean, Jenna, Mum and Peter, I thank you for the endless love and support to get me through each day. I've been a big pain with my moods and having to rely on you all and you have all stuck by me and I couldn’t ask for a better family!
So many others have supported, encouraged and helped me through not only this years tough time, but through several years of racing and my life in general. Thank you Tania and Adrian Read, Stephen Mattingly, Brett Dickie, Joshie Williamson, Benny Grice, Jasmine Fraser, Michael Monshing, Anton Bergman, Alex Jory, Jesse Bryan, Cam Dawes, John Mina, Les Small and all the extended Bell Motorsport family!! Without everyone I wouldn’t be able to get up everyday, continue to have the strength to get better and still enjoy driving a race car and doing everyone proud.
There's so much more I could say and more people to thank but if your attention span is like mine at the moment, you will be sick of reading!
For me, this year was a success on the track but by far the toughest I’ve had personally, there is still a long road ahead for not only to be able to race at my best again but to also get my life back on track as well and hopefully when next season starts, we can be as good as ever and come back for a crack at back to back!!
- Chris Bell
Limping into the pits with a car and engine in about the same condition as my body was all made worth it when I saw so many of my close friends and family there all clapping, crying, popping party poppers and all dressed in t-shirts dedicated to me! A moment I will never forget for so many reasons!
There are lots of people that deserved to be thanked, but no more than my dad, Graeme Bell, this man has not only taught, encouraged and inspired me for as long as I can remember but continuously worked tirelessly to make sure I am happy on and off the track. To not only put my name on the championship trophy next to his and my brother, but to also do it in the same car he did it in 15 years ago was such an amazing achievement for me and a moment/year I’ll never forget.
For the rest of the family Jo, Jess, Sean, Jenna, Mum and Peter, I thank you for the endless love and support to get me through each day. I've been a big pain with my moods and having to rely on you all and you have all stuck by me and I couldn’t ask for a better family!
So many others have supported, encouraged and helped me through not only this years tough time, but through several years of racing and my life in general. Thank you Tania and Adrian Read, Stephen Mattingly, Brett Dickie, Joshie Williamson, Benny Grice, Jasmine Fraser, Michael Monshing, Anton Bergman, Alex Jory, Jesse Bryan, Cam Dawes, John Mina, Les Small and all the extended Bell Motorsport family!! Without everyone I wouldn’t be able to get up everyday, continue to have the strength to get better and still enjoy driving a race car and doing everyone proud.
There's so much more I could say and more people to thank but if your attention span is like mine at the moment, you will be sick of reading!
For me, this year was a success on the track but by far the toughest I’ve had personally, there is still a long road ahead for not only to be able to race at my best again but to also get my life back on track as well and hopefully when next season starts, we can be as good as ever and come back for a crack at back to back!!
- Chris Bell
December 2014 | Sean Bell
E30 Drivers Cup 2014
My story in motorsport for 2014 actually starts November 9, 2013 on the 3 hour journey home from the final round of the BMW Drivers Cup at Winton Motor Raceway. Having just taken out my first ever round win in the championship after a few near misses, I decided that next year would be time I got a little more serious and attempted a full season of competing. Having only participated in the series on what could be called a part time basis due to monetary and time constrains, I really wanted to see how far I could push myself and the results I may be able to achieve if I was able to put a complete year of racing together.
Could I win the same title I watched my father win back in 2002 when I was only 14?
This is the story of my year in motorsport.
Round 1Track: Winton Motor RacewayDate: March 8-9, 2014
And so a journey begins.. Round 1 at Winton saw me take out pole position among the E30 racing cars (Starting second on the grid behind my brother Chris in an 'Invited E30', who did a great job to just beat me to first) with two-time reigning series champion Alan Saint behind in third.
At the start of race one I managed to get an excellent start off the line to get myself ahead of Chris with a bit of a gap on the rest of the field by the end of the first lap. Trying to drive as fast as I could, I made a small mistake coming into turn 3 on about lap 4 which enabled a rampaging Alan to quickly bridge the gap to me to less than two seconds coming into the final laps of the 7 lap race. Having managed to keep him behind me, half way through the final lap he had a coolant hose blow, leaving me to coast to the line in first place to take the first race of the new year, with Alan limping home to hold onto second. Knowing Alan would be a major challenge to beat for the rest of the weekend, I knew the start of the next race was very important.
Race two I managed to get another great start off the line and beat the rest of the field into the first corner. It turned out to be a 7 lap battle all the way to the flag with Alan and his mended car now back up to speed. At the chequered flag only 0.4 seconds separated us as I was able to take my second win for the weekend to round out a pretty good first day back on track.
Sunday came around with another 7 lap race with Alan getting the jump on me giving me the chance to play the hunter. Alan managed to stay ahead of me for this race and the following 10 lap final race of the weekend to leave us with two wins a piece and equal first for the round. 2014 had started very well!
Could I win the same title I watched my father win back in 2002 when I was only 14?
This is the story of my year in motorsport.
Round 1Track: Winton Motor RacewayDate: March 8-9, 2014
And so a journey begins.. Round 1 at Winton saw me take out pole position among the E30 racing cars (Starting second on the grid behind my brother Chris in an 'Invited E30', who did a great job to just beat me to first) with two-time reigning series champion Alan Saint behind in third.
At the start of race one I managed to get an excellent start off the line to get myself ahead of Chris with a bit of a gap on the rest of the field by the end of the first lap. Trying to drive as fast as I could, I made a small mistake coming into turn 3 on about lap 4 which enabled a rampaging Alan to quickly bridge the gap to me to less than two seconds coming into the final laps of the 7 lap race. Having managed to keep him behind me, half way through the final lap he had a coolant hose blow, leaving me to coast to the line in first place to take the first race of the new year, with Alan limping home to hold onto second. Knowing Alan would be a major challenge to beat for the rest of the weekend, I knew the start of the next race was very important.
Race two I managed to get another great start off the line and beat the rest of the field into the first corner. It turned out to be a 7 lap battle all the way to the flag with Alan and his mended car now back up to speed. At the chequered flag only 0.4 seconds separated us as I was able to take my second win for the weekend to round out a pretty good first day back on track.
Sunday came around with another 7 lap race with Alan getting the jump on me giving me the chance to play the hunter. Alan managed to stay ahead of me for this race and the following 10 lap final race of the weekend to leave us with two wins a piece and equal first for the round. 2014 had started very well!
Round 1 Podium Results=1st Sean Bell | 25 Points=1st Alan Saint | 25 Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 20 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 1=1st Sean Bell | 25 Points=1st Alan Saint | 25 Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 20 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 1=1st Sean Bell | 25 Points=1st Alan Saint | 25 Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 20 Points
Round 2Track: Phillip Island Grand Prix CircuitDate: April 12-13, 2014
The series moved to Phillip Island for the second round for 2014 in conjunction with the Victorian Improved Production series. After a practice day on Friday which ended early due to a massive downpour of rain, the tone for a weekend of questionable weather had been set.
Having being able to make the most of a drying track in qualifying, I managed to produce another pole position for the first of three races for the weekend ahead of Alan Saint and Anthony D'Anna.
After a decent start in race one I managed to get held up but some Improved Production car on the first lap allowing Alan to sneak past and take the lead of the race. Picking up from where we left off at Winton, with our cars having strengths and weaknesses at different parts of the circuit, we battled all the way to the last lap of the race when coming around the last few corners back onto the main straight for the chequered flag, I tried a move to drive around the outside of Alan to get back into first place. The result, well it didn't work and he was able to hold me out on a wider racing line which upset my run onto the main straight allowing Anthony to pass me for second right on the line.
This had then set the tone for the two remaining races of the Sunday. Race two and three followed a very similar line with a three car scrap between myself, Alan and Anthony with Alan taking another race win in the second race and Anthony winning a safety car affected third race with me finishing in third in both races.
It was a good, hard weekend of racing with many position changed and helped to teach me a lot how not to just be fast, but how to race.
The series moved to Phillip Island for the second round for 2014 in conjunction with the Victorian Improved Production series. After a practice day on Friday which ended early due to a massive downpour of rain, the tone for a weekend of questionable weather had been set.
Having being able to make the most of a drying track in qualifying, I managed to produce another pole position for the first of three races for the weekend ahead of Alan Saint and Anthony D'Anna.
After a decent start in race one I managed to get held up but some Improved Production car on the first lap allowing Alan to sneak past and take the lead of the race. Picking up from where we left off at Winton, with our cars having strengths and weaknesses at different parts of the circuit, we battled all the way to the last lap of the race when coming around the last few corners back onto the main straight for the chequered flag, I tried a move to drive around the outside of Alan to get back into first place. The result, well it didn't work and he was able to hold me out on a wider racing line which upset my run onto the main straight allowing Anthony to pass me for second right on the line.
This had then set the tone for the two remaining races of the Sunday. Race two and three followed a very similar line with a three car scrap between myself, Alan and Anthony with Alan taking another race win in the second race and Anthony winning a safety car affected third race with me finishing in third in both races.
It was a good, hard weekend of racing with many position changed and helped to teach me a lot how not to just be fast, but how to race.
Round 2 Podium Results1st Alan Saint | 25 Points2nd Anthony D’Anna | 22 Points3rd Sean Bell | 20 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 21st Alan Saint | 50 Points2nd Sean Bell | 47 Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 30 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 21st Alan Saint | 50 Points2nd Sean Bell | 47 Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 30 Points
Round 3Track: Sandown RacewayDate: May 17-18, 2014
A round I will not forget anytime soon but for all the wrong reasons. Round 3 at Sandown was, for once, held in sunshine at the South-eastern Melbourne Circuit and for the second event in a row with the Improved Production series. Having not felt like I managed one decent lap time in qualifying and even having had a bit of contact with one of our fellow competitors in an Audi, I claimed my third pole position in a row for the year with a E30 qualifying record for the track, just ahead of Anthony D'Anna by 0.04 of a second and David Levy behind him.
In race one I got a start I was very happy with, the only problem was David got an event better one and came from nowhere to be in front coming into the first corner. David's car was considerably quicker than mine down the long straights of Sandown and even though I could catch back up under brakes and through the corners, I wasn't able to find a way past. Towards the end of the race I pushed a little bit too far coming into turn 4 and ran wide, ruining my run onto the back straight and allowing Anthony past into second. Despite a last lap challenge, I finished third for the first race.
Race two on Sunday morning is where it all came apart. After a fairly even start by all three front cars on lap one, coming into turn 8 at Dandenong road, Anthony lost control of the rear of his car on cold tyres and spun, leaving me nowhere to go. Having completed a full rotation, I ran into the driver’s door of Anthony's car in a massive accident that was very lucky it wasn't any bigger with Brian Bourke in position four just missing both cars. The accident brought out the safety car to clean up the mess with both cars now out for the weekend and both drivers taken to the medical centre.
It was an incredibly hard hit and I am just grateful that we were both OK and also thankful to the officials that do an amazing job when incidents such as these occur. When i was released from the medical centre with little more than some sore pride, I went to inspect the damaged and it was not good. The car was completely ruined from the windscreen forward, panels and rails, everything either bent, twisted or broken. It was the first large accident I have had on the track.
It was then going to be a race against time to get the car ready and back on track for the next round.
A round I will not forget anytime soon but for all the wrong reasons. Round 3 at Sandown was, for once, held in sunshine at the South-eastern Melbourne Circuit and for the second event in a row with the Improved Production series. Having not felt like I managed one decent lap time in qualifying and even having had a bit of contact with one of our fellow competitors in an Audi, I claimed my third pole position in a row for the year with a E30 qualifying record for the track, just ahead of Anthony D'Anna by 0.04 of a second and David Levy behind him.
In race one I got a start I was very happy with, the only problem was David got an event better one and came from nowhere to be in front coming into the first corner. David's car was considerably quicker than mine down the long straights of Sandown and even though I could catch back up under brakes and through the corners, I wasn't able to find a way past. Towards the end of the race I pushed a little bit too far coming into turn 4 and ran wide, ruining my run onto the back straight and allowing Anthony past into second. Despite a last lap challenge, I finished third for the first race.
Race two on Sunday morning is where it all came apart. After a fairly even start by all three front cars on lap one, coming into turn 8 at Dandenong road, Anthony lost control of the rear of his car on cold tyres and spun, leaving me nowhere to go. Having completed a full rotation, I ran into the driver’s door of Anthony's car in a massive accident that was very lucky it wasn't any bigger with Brian Bourke in position four just missing both cars. The accident brought out the safety car to clean up the mess with both cars now out for the weekend and both drivers taken to the medical centre.
It was an incredibly hard hit and I am just grateful that we were both OK and also thankful to the officials that do an amazing job when incidents such as these occur. When i was released from the medical centre with little more than some sore pride, I went to inspect the damaged and it was not good. The car was completely ruined from the windscreen forward, panels and rails, everything either bent, twisted or broken. It was the first large accident I have had on the track.
It was then going to be a race against time to get the car ready and back on track for the next round.
Round 3 Podium Results1st David Levy | 25 Points2nd Brian Bourke | 22 Points3rd Michael Stillwell | 20 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 31st Sean Bell | 60 Points2nd David Levy | 56 Points3rd Brain Bourke | 52 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 31st Sean Bell | 60 Points2nd David Levy | 56 Points3rd Brain Bourke | 52 Points
Round 4Track: Winton Motor RacewayDate: July 5-6, 2014
Pole Position, four out of four race wins and a new lap record. Fair to say that my return to Winton in a repaired car went pretty well!
After a few late nights and a lot of hard work we managed to get the car back on track just in time for round 4. A donor car was used to place a complete new front of the car from the windscreen forward with repairs only being completed in the days before the first practice on Friday before the round. After three laps one thing was clear, not only was the car fixed, it was faster than ever!
I managed pole position in qualifying, which I secured in extremely wet conditions with the rain falling even heavier for the first race on the Saturday afternoon. I was able to keep the car on the black stuff and take the first race from Brian, Stan Armstrong and my brother Chris.
Sunday brought some sunnier skies but the same results for the next three races. A win in race two and three, and with a new lap record in the third I set my sights on going even faster in the final 10 lap sprint.
After a fast start I managed to get away from the chasing pack. I managed four laps under my own lap record from the previous race to lower it by another 0.4 of a second to claim another win, and put my championship hopes completely back on track with two rounds still remaining.
Pole Position, four out of four race wins and a new lap record. Fair to say that my return to Winton in a repaired car went pretty well!
After a few late nights and a lot of hard work we managed to get the car back on track just in time for round 4. A donor car was used to place a complete new front of the car from the windscreen forward with repairs only being completed in the days before the first practice on Friday before the round. After three laps one thing was clear, not only was the car fixed, it was faster than ever!
I managed pole position in qualifying, which I secured in extremely wet conditions with the rain falling even heavier for the first race on the Saturday afternoon. I was able to keep the car on the black stuff and take the first race from Brian, Stan Armstrong and my brother Chris.
Sunday brought some sunnier skies but the same results for the next three races. A win in race two and three, and with a new lap record in the third I set my sights on going even faster in the final 10 lap sprint.
After a fast start I managed to get away from the chasing pack. I managed four laps under my own lap record from the previous race to lower it by another 0.4 of a second to claim another win, and put my championship hopes completely back on track with two rounds still remaining.
Round 4 Podium Results1st Sean Bell | 25 Points2nd Brian Bourke | 22 Points3rd Stan Armstrong | 20 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 41st Sean Bell | 85 Points=2nd David Levy | 74 Points=2nd Brain Bourke | 74 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 41st Sean Bell | 85 Points=2nd David Levy | 74 Points=2nd Brain Bourke | 74 Points
Round 5Track: Wakefield Park RacewayDate: August 23-24, 2014
Still on a high from the previous clean sweep at Winton, we made the trek to Wakefield Park in Goulburn NSW for the penultimate round for 2014. This was going to be a particularly exciting round for me because it was the first time I would be on track with my brother Chris and my sister Jess, doing her very first race.
At the conclusion of qualifying the call came across the radio that a Bell was on pole, but for the first time this year it wasn't me. It was Chris who managed to outpace everyone, finishing ahead of Stan and myself in third. Race 1 I had the front row seat to a terrific battle between Stan and Chris, coming home in a comfortable third place.
Dark clouds then started to cover the circuit with the rain arriving just in time for race 2. After a slow and careful get away by all cars on the slippery track, it was half way through the first lap when the lack of grip would play it's part. Chris, running in second place, lost control of the rear of his car and spun. Following closely behind, I dived for the grass to avoid his out of control car but David Levy wasn't able to do the same. The incident meant the race had to be suspended while the two cars and drivers were recovered, but the good news was both drivers were OK. When the race resumed conditions only seem to get more difficult. Suffering from a windscreen that was badly fogging, I could only see a few meters in front of my bonnet and struggled around the track to finish in seventh place behind Stan who won his second race for the weekend.
Race three was probably my favourite race for the whole year, starting from the lowest position I have all year, next to Jess, I managed to make my way through the field from seventh to second by the end of the race. I was an a mission to recover the weekend knowing there was a possibility of wrapping up the championship with one round to go.
In the final race of the weekend, I started second next to Stan who was looking for his own clean sweep for the weekend. He was able to out sprint me to the first corner and from there the race was on. We traded lap record after lap record, and whilst I took the record home, Stan took the race and round win.
I ended up placing second overall for the weekend and when we did the maths on the long trip home I realized I had done enough, I couldn't be beaten coming into the final round.
Still on a high from the previous clean sweep at Winton, we made the trek to Wakefield Park in Goulburn NSW for the penultimate round for 2014. This was going to be a particularly exciting round for me because it was the first time I would be on track with my brother Chris and my sister Jess, doing her very first race.
At the conclusion of qualifying the call came across the radio that a Bell was on pole, but for the first time this year it wasn't me. It was Chris who managed to outpace everyone, finishing ahead of Stan and myself in third. Race 1 I had the front row seat to a terrific battle between Stan and Chris, coming home in a comfortable third place.
Dark clouds then started to cover the circuit with the rain arriving just in time for race 2. After a slow and careful get away by all cars on the slippery track, it was half way through the first lap when the lack of grip would play it's part. Chris, running in second place, lost control of the rear of his car and spun. Following closely behind, I dived for the grass to avoid his out of control car but David Levy wasn't able to do the same. The incident meant the race had to be suspended while the two cars and drivers were recovered, but the good news was both drivers were OK. When the race resumed conditions only seem to get more difficult. Suffering from a windscreen that was badly fogging, I could only see a few meters in front of my bonnet and struggled around the track to finish in seventh place behind Stan who won his second race for the weekend.
Race three was probably my favourite race for the whole year, starting from the lowest position I have all year, next to Jess, I managed to make my way through the field from seventh to second by the end of the race. I was an a mission to recover the weekend knowing there was a possibility of wrapping up the championship with one round to go.
In the final race of the weekend, I started second next to Stan who was looking for his own clean sweep for the weekend. He was able to out sprint me to the first corner and from there the race was on. We traded lap record after lap record, and whilst I took the record home, Stan took the race and round win.
I ended up placing second overall for the weekend and when we did the maths on the long trip home I realized I had done enough, I couldn't be beaten coming into the final round.
Round 5 Podium Results1st Stan Armstrong | 25 Points + 5 Bonus Points2nd Sean Bell | 22 Points + 5 Bonus Points3rd Geoff Bowles | 20 Points + 5 Bonus Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 51st Sean Bell | 112 Points2nd Brain Bourke | 97 Points3rd David Levy | 92 Points
Top 3 Championship Standings After Round 51st Sean Bell | 112 Points2nd Brain Bourke | 97 Points3rd David Levy | 92 Points
Round 6Track: Phillip Island Grand Prix CircuitDate: October 4-5, 2014
The series returned to Phillip Island for the final round for 2014, again part of the Improved Production Championship. The pressure was off and all I needed to do was go out and enjoy the last laps of the BMW Drivers Cup for the season.
Another decent outing in Saturday morning qualifying put me second among the E30 race cars behind series newcomer Cruz Cody. Another fantastic tight weekend of racing saw Stan take two race wins and Michael Stillwell take one. I finished third overall for the round, highlighted by the final 9 lap race, where from the start I fell back to sixth place after one lap only to fight back into second, which included a great battle with Michael over the closing laps. On return to pit lane after the final race I was surprised to see everyone from team Bell Motorsport wearing #1 shirts and was presented with my own with '2014 E30 Racing Champion of the World' shirts (having possibly made reference to that a few times during the year) to go with a small trophy, some champagne and everyone letting off party poppers. I was very touched that everyone went to so much effort to make what had been a memorable year even more special.
For me, that's exactly what racing is all about. I am lucky enough to be able to do it with my family and friends in a way it brings everyone closer together. It's not just about driving around a race track, that's only a small part of what makes everything so special. From the late nights working to prepare cars to sharing a laugh and enjoying the time we all have together, any achievements couldn't have been had this year without the support and effort of everyone from the Bell Motorsport family.
The series returned to Phillip Island for the final round for 2014, again part of the Improved Production Championship. The pressure was off and all I needed to do was go out and enjoy the last laps of the BMW Drivers Cup for the season.
Another decent outing in Saturday morning qualifying put me second among the E30 race cars behind series newcomer Cruz Cody. Another fantastic tight weekend of racing saw Stan take two race wins and Michael Stillwell take one. I finished third overall for the round, highlighted by the final 9 lap race, where from the start I fell back to sixth place after one lap only to fight back into second, which included a great battle with Michael over the closing laps. On return to pit lane after the final race I was surprised to see everyone from team Bell Motorsport wearing #1 shirts and was presented with my own with '2014 E30 Racing Champion of the World' shirts (having possibly made reference to that a few times during the year) to go with a small trophy, some champagne and everyone letting off party poppers. I was very touched that everyone went to so much effort to make what had been a memorable year even more special.
For me, that's exactly what racing is all about. I am lucky enough to be able to do it with my family and friends in a way it brings everyone closer together. It's not just about driving around a race track, that's only a small part of what makes everything so special. From the late nights working to prepare cars to sharing a laugh and enjoying the time we all have together, any achievements couldn't have been had this year without the support and effort of everyone from the Bell Motorsport family.
Round 6 Podium Results1st Stan Armstrong | 25 Points 2nd Michael Stillwell | 22 Points 3rd Sean Bell | 20 Points
Top 3 Final Championship Standings (Incl. 1 Dropped Round)1st Sean Bell | 116 Points2nd Brian Bourke | 97 Points3rd David Levy | 92 Points
Top 3 Final Championship Standings (Incl. 1 Dropped Round)1st Sean Bell | 116 Points2nd Brian Bourke | 97 Points3rd David Levy | 92 Points
10 September 2014 | Jess Bell
Building Dreams
My Dad always told me that he would let me know when it was time for me to have my own race car, one that we would build together.
After a somewhat successful rookie year of competition in the BMW Car Club of Victoria (“BMWCCV”) Sprint Championship in 2013, swapping between my brothers, Sean and Chris’ race cars, I came third outright, first in my class, and also won Young Driver of the Year. Dad then came to me and told me that it was time.
Dad had a BMW E30 325e Coupe sitting around that I had been eyeing off for quite a while. It had been in the eye of potential buyers but I kept my everything crossed that no one would buy it!
In January, 2014 I had three weeks off work, of course I used two of them to relax, but the last one was spent down at Bell Motorsport. I was always called “Speedy Gonzales” when I was on my probationary licence, so I passed the nickname onto my car, now known as Gonzales. My first week was spent removing the carpets, the remainder of the interior and the sound deadening. We had enough steel to do the rear half of the cage which was done over the coming days. After the rear of the cage went in we put the car on the hoist and pulled out the old engine and gearbox. We then gave the engine bay a good clean.
Slowly the empty car sitting out the front of our factory was beginning to look like a race car.
A few months went by. We just didn’t have the time to work on my race car with me deciding to go back to university. Then in May Chris moved back to the Mornington Peninsula from Shepparton and he must have been tired of me borrowing his car, he came to me and told me Tuesday nights were Jess’ race car night. We had hopes of getting the car ready for a BMWCCV weekend at Winton later that month.
On the following Tuesday after work we all met down at Dad’s factory and it began. Dad had started to prepare the new, (but old – this engine had now been in Dad’s car, as well as Sean’s car before he got a crate engine from Germany) engine for us to put together and install. The car was originally an automatic so that had to be converted too.
Over the next few weeks the gearbox, tailshaft, diff and dash went in. The wiring was also completed by Dad. It was one Wednesday night when I was out to dinner with friends, I received a video message of Dad and Chris who had started my car. After what had felt like forever for me, my car was running! I had a race car and it was running! My excitement was indescribable.
We spent the next couple of days getting the last little bits and pieces together so we could go testing. Testing went perfectly, although apparently the red light for fuel doesn’t work. Lesson learnt.
I didn’t get to do a lot of driving that weekend with exams only a couple of days away, but Dad, Sean and Chris all drove the car to make sure it was running as it should. To think it still needed quite a few things before it was finished, the car handled so well.
We came away from testing very confident in the car. Dad and I sat down and talked about the future and the next round of the E30 Racing Championship at Wakefield Park in August became set
After a somewhat successful rookie year of competition in the BMW Car Club of Victoria (“BMWCCV”) Sprint Championship in 2013, swapping between my brothers, Sean and Chris’ race cars, I came third outright, first in my class, and also won Young Driver of the Year. Dad then came to me and told me that it was time.
Dad had a BMW E30 325e Coupe sitting around that I had been eyeing off for quite a while. It had been in the eye of potential buyers but I kept my everything crossed that no one would buy it!
In January, 2014 I had three weeks off work, of course I used two of them to relax, but the last one was spent down at Bell Motorsport. I was always called “Speedy Gonzales” when I was on my probationary licence, so I passed the nickname onto my car, now known as Gonzales. My first week was spent removing the carpets, the remainder of the interior and the sound deadening. We had enough steel to do the rear half of the cage which was done over the coming days. After the rear of the cage went in we put the car on the hoist and pulled out the old engine and gearbox. We then gave the engine bay a good clean.
Slowly the empty car sitting out the front of our factory was beginning to look like a race car.
A few months went by. We just didn’t have the time to work on my race car with me deciding to go back to university. Then in May Chris moved back to the Mornington Peninsula from Shepparton and he must have been tired of me borrowing his car, he came to me and told me Tuesday nights were Jess’ race car night. We had hopes of getting the car ready for a BMWCCV weekend at Winton later that month.
On the following Tuesday after work we all met down at Dad’s factory and it began. Dad had started to prepare the new, (but old – this engine had now been in Dad’s car, as well as Sean’s car before he got a crate engine from Germany) engine for us to put together and install. The car was originally an automatic so that had to be converted too.
Over the next few weeks the gearbox, tailshaft, diff and dash went in. The wiring was also completed by Dad. It was one Wednesday night when I was out to dinner with friends, I received a video message of Dad and Chris who had started my car. After what had felt like forever for me, my car was running! I had a race car and it was running! My excitement was indescribable.
We spent the next couple of days getting the last little bits and pieces together so we could go testing. Testing went perfectly, although apparently the red light for fuel doesn’t work. Lesson learnt.
I didn’t get to do a lot of driving that weekend with exams only a couple of days away, but Dad, Sean and Chris all drove the car to make sure it was running as it should. To think it still needed quite a few things before it was finished, the car handled so well.
We came away from testing very confident in the car. Dad and I sat down and talked about the future and the next round of the E30 Racing Championship at Wakefield Park in August became set
in our sights.
A couple of weeks went by and we took the car down to the next sprint round of the BMWCCV Championship at Haunted Hills for some more testing where everything went well.
The next week Dad had set aside the whole week to spend on my car finishing the cage and anything else it needed while my time was divvied up between work and uni assignments that were also due that week. The car was then log booked and a couple of days later we were all on our way to Wakefield.
My first race weekend had finally come, I had never felt so nervous in my life. After practice and qualifying the car was feeling good, overall I was pretty happy. There were still a few things that we hadn’t able to do to the car but nothing that we couldn’t work around. The other competitors were so welcoming to me and made sure I had as much guidance and advice as I needed.Rolling up to the grid on race 1, I was so very nervous. I was finally lining up for my first race! All thoughts left my mind as the red light went off and we were racing.
I didn’t think it was possible for me to be any more nervous than I was until I rolled up to dummy grid for race 2 and it started pouring with rain. They tell me it isn’t Wakefield Park if it doesn’t rain at least once. It was an incredibly slippery surface and unfortunately Chris was in a big accident after being hit by another driver right in front of me. The rest of us were lucky to avoid it but unfortunately for him, that was his weekend done.
I will never forget race 3 that weekend, I got to start on the grid next to Sean. It felt so unreal starting next to him. I was so proud on the inside. Unfortunately, I dropped back quite a bit. I was struggling big time and the car just didn’t handle properly but I was determined to finish. I had woken up feeling sick Sunday morning and thought that maybe it was just me. When I came in after the race, we found that I had a slow leak in one of my tyres, so it wasn’t me! But nothing that wasn’t easily fixed. Luckily there was still another race so I was able to make up for my loss.
Overall, I came sixth for the weekend. Sixth on my first race weekend. What a dream!
Once we got home there wasn’t a lot to do to get the car ready for the next round of the BMWCCV Sprint Championship at Calder. All it needed was a fresh coat of paint, upgraded suspension, some stickers and the car would be exactly how I want it. I then just needed plenty of seat time to get comfortable in my car.
I finished the remainder of the BMWCCV Sprint Championship in my car and won my first championship. At the end of 2014 it was then time to paint. Instead of going white like Dad, Sean and Chris’ cars, I decided to go with my favourite colour, bright green. So when you see me out there in the E30 Racing Championship, you’ll know which one I am, the brightest one you can find!
The best part about it all, I got to do it all with the help of my family, who I now get to race alongside every time I hit the track. What could be better?
- Jess Bell
A couple of weeks went by and we took the car down to the next sprint round of the BMWCCV Championship at Haunted Hills for some more testing where everything went well.
The next week Dad had set aside the whole week to spend on my car finishing the cage and anything else it needed while my time was divvied up between work and uni assignments that were also due that week. The car was then log booked and a couple of days later we were all on our way to Wakefield.
My first race weekend had finally come, I had never felt so nervous in my life. After practice and qualifying the car was feeling good, overall I was pretty happy. There were still a few things that we hadn’t able to do to the car but nothing that we couldn’t work around. The other competitors were so welcoming to me and made sure I had as much guidance and advice as I needed.Rolling up to the grid on race 1, I was so very nervous. I was finally lining up for my first race! All thoughts left my mind as the red light went off and we were racing.
I didn’t think it was possible for me to be any more nervous than I was until I rolled up to dummy grid for race 2 and it started pouring with rain. They tell me it isn’t Wakefield Park if it doesn’t rain at least once. It was an incredibly slippery surface and unfortunately Chris was in a big accident after being hit by another driver right in front of me. The rest of us were lucky to avoid it but unfortunately for him, that was his weekend done.
I will never forget race 3 that weekend, I got to start on the grid next to Sean. It felt so unreal starting next to him. I was so proud on the inside. Unfortunately, I dropped back quite a bit. I was struggling big time and the car just didn’t handle properly but I was determined to finish. I had woken up feeling sick Sunday morning and thought that maybe it was just me. When I came in after the race, we found that I had a slow leak in one of my tyres, so it wasn’t me! But nothing that wasn’t easily fixed. Luckily there was still another race so I was able to make up for my loss.
Overall, I came sixth for the weekend. Sixth on my first race weekend. What a dream!
Once we got home there wasn’t a lot to do to get the car ready for the next round of the BMWCCV Sprint Championship at Calder. All it needed was a fresh coat of paint, upgraded suspension, some stickers and the car would be exactly how I want it. I then just needed plenty of seat time to get comfortable in my car.
I finished the remainder of the BMWCCV Sprint Championship in my car and won my first championship. At the end of 2014 it was then time to paint. Instead of going white like Dad, Sean and Chris’ cars, I decided to go with my favourite colour, bright green. So when you see me out there in the E30 Racing Championship, you’ll know which one I am, the brightest one you can find!
The best part about it all, I got to do it all with the help of my family, who I now get to race alongside every time I hit the track. What could be better?
- Jess Bell