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Derek Bell (racing driver)

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Derek Bell
MBE
Bell in 2008
BornDerek Reginald Bell
(1941-10-31) 31 October 1941 (age 82)
Pinner, Middlesex, England, UK
Formula One World Championship career
NationalityUnited Kingdom British
Active years1968–1972, 1974
TeamsFerrari, McLaren, Surtees, Tecno
Entries16 (9 starts)
Championships0
Wins0
Podiums0
Career points1
Pole positions0
Fastest laps0
First entry1968 Italian Grand Prix
Last entry1974 Canadian Grand Prix
Derek Bell in the Walk of fame at Le Mans

Derek Reginald Bell MBE (born 31 October 1941) is a British racing driver. In sportscar racing, he won the Le Mans 24 hours five times, the Daytona 24 three times and the World Sportscar Championship twice. He also raced in Formula One for the Ferrari, Wheatcroft, McLaren, Surtees and Tecno teams. He has been described by fellow racer Hans-Joachim Stuck as one of the most liked drivers of his generation.[1]

Derek Bell at the Nürburgring in August 1970 when racing Formula 2
Derek Bell racing a Formula 2 Dino 166 at the Nürburgring in 1969
24 Hours of Le Mans career
Years1970–1983, 1985–1996
TeamsScuderia Ferrari
John Wyer Automotive
Ecurie Francorchamps
Gulf Racing
Grand Touring Cars
Renault Sport
Porsche System
Rothmans Porsche
Richard Lloyd Racing
Joest Porsche Racing
ADA Engineering
Courage Compétition
Gulf Oil Racing
David Price Racing
Best finish1st (1975, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987)
Class wins5 (1975, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1987)

Early career

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Derek Bell in the Wheatcroft Racing Brabham BT30 at the Nürburgring in 1970

Bell grew up on a farm and helped to run the Church Farm caravan site, complete with its own pub, near Pagham Harbour, boarding at The King's School, Worcester. He was encouraged by his stepfather Bernard Hender to take up racing with a Lotus Seven in 1964. He won his first race in the Lotus at Goodwood in March of that year. He graduated to Formula Three in the following year racing a Lotus 31 and in 1966 switched to a Lotus 41 scoring his first victory, again at Goodwood. In 1967 he enjoyed seven wins. He entered Formula Two in a privateer Brabham BT23C fielded by his stepfather's Church Farm Racing team and after several promising performances, which caught Enzo Ferrari's eye, made his Formula One Grand Prix debut for Ferrari at Monza in 1968. He contested the 1969 Tasman Series in a 2.4 Dino and was second at Lakeside to Amon and Rindt at Warwick Farm. In 1969 he raced the four-wheel-drive McLaren M9A[2] in its only ever race at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Bell took part in the filming of Le Mans (1970)[3] starring Steve McQueen,[4] and he and his family lived with the McQueen family during the filming, the two becoming friends. Bell had a lucky escape during the making of the film. The Ferrari 512 he was driving suddenly caught fire whilst getting into position for a take. He managed to get out of the car just before it was engulfed in flames and suffered minor burns. Although the car was badly damaged, it was later rebuilt and is still racing at historic meets.[5]

Bell finished second in the 1970 European Formula Two Championship, driving a Brabham BT30 for Wheatcroft Racing. In 1972 he got a drive in the Tecno Formula One team, along with Nanni Galli. He later raced a number of times for the Surtees team, including a sixth place at the 1970 United States Grand Prix racing a Surtees TS7, which was to be his highest finish in the Formula One World Championship. He had a few further drives for Surtees in 1974 and finished 11th in the 1974 German Grand Prix. Enjoying single seaters more than sports cars he accepted drives in F5000/Libre British Shellsport series and F5000 in 1976-7 the Penske PC7 March and also odd F5000 drives in the US and Australia.

It was to be in sports car racing, which he came to via a drive in Jacques Swaters privately entered Ferrari 512M in the 1970 Spa 1000 km, leading to a Ferrari works drive at the 1970 Le Mans 24 hours, where he built a strong reputation as a world class and world championship winning racer.

Le Mans

[edit]

Bell won the Le Mans 24 hours race five times, in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987, making him the most successful British driver in the race to date. He was teamed with the Belgian Jacky Ickx in 1975, racing the Gulf Mirage GR8,[6] again in 1981, racing a Porsche 936, and finally in 1982 racing a Rothmans Porsche 956. Bell went on to win the 1986 and 1987 Le Mans teamed with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Al Holbert racing a Rothmans Porsche 962.

1971 Le Mans Porsche 917LH driven by Derek Bell and Jo Siffert parked outside the Hotel de France

His first Le Mans was in 1970 in a works-entered Ferrari 512, with co-driver Ronnie Peterson, his last in 1996 racing a McLaren F1 GTR. Bell achieved his highest ever speed at Le Mans at the 1971 Le Mans 24 hours April test day, reaching a calculated top speed of 246 mph on the Mulsanne Straight in the JW Gulf Porsche 917LH.[7]

Derek Bell in the Gulf Mirage M6 at the 1972 Nürburgring 1000km
1994 Le Mans Gulf Kremer Porsche K8 Spyder raced by Derek Bell and Robin Donovan

Sportscar racing

[edit]

Bell also won the World Sportscar Championship title twice in 1985 and 1986 and the 24 Hours of Daytona three times in 1986, 1987 and 1989. He won the 1973 Silverstone RAC Tourist Trophy racing a BMW 3.0CSL with Harald Ertl. In 1984 he won the Nürburgring 1000km with Stefan Bellof, racing a Porsche 956, with a notable fourth place in the 1974 Nürburgring 1000km racing a Gulf GR7 with James Hunt on the longer 22.8 km circuit.

His first victory in the Spa 1000km came in 1974 racing a Mirage M6 with Mike Hailwood, going onto win the 1975 and 1984 editions, with Henri Pescarolo, in 1975, in that season's dominant Alfa Romeo Tipo 33TT12 on the old 14 km track and with Stefan Bellof, in the equally dominant Porsche 956 of 1984, on the shorter circuit used by Formula One. He is also one of two drivers to win the Spa 1000km on both the original and current circuits, the other being Jacky Ickx.

Derek Bell with a number of the Porsche 956s and 962s he drove during his racing career

Post-racing career

[edit]

Bell was hired as chairman for the Spectre R42 super car project between 1996 and its demise in 1997. In 2001 he was hired to consult for the Bentley Speed 8 programme, helping Bentley to win Le Mans two years later. He now splits his time between the United States and his home near Chichester, UK, with his wife Misti. He is an after dinner speaker and motorsport commentator, and also races in historic events, and is a global ambassador for Bentley. Bell is also an operating partner of Bentley Naples in Naples, Florida.

Derek Bell racing in the Group C support race at the 2012 Le Mans

His eldest son Justin Bell is also a racer. The two raced together in the 1991 24 Hours of Daytona, and the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bell was to race in the 2008 24 Hours of Daytona with Justin, however the car dropped out of the race early and Derek did not get to run in the race. Aside from winning at Le Mans five times, he claims his proudest moment was coming third with his son Justin racing the Harrods sponsored McLaren F1 GTR in the 1995 Le Mans on Fathers Day.

Bentley Brand ambassador Derek Bell at the Moscow Raceway
AA presentation of Honorary Life membership to Derek Bell

Bell is a patron for the charities Dementia Support,[8] Hope for Tomorrow,[9] Mission Motorsport and the Henry Surtees Foundation. He is also an Ambassador for the Fly Navy Heritage Trust.

He is currently the president of the oldest pram race in the world. The Pagham Pram Race[10] started in 1946 and is run annually at 11am on Boxing Day.

Bell returned to Le Mans to race a Porsche 962 for the first time in 20 years in the Group C support race at Le Mans on 16 June 2012.

He was presented with Honorary Life membership of the AA in recognition of his 50 years in motorsport, commemorated by a plaque presented by Lord March at the Moving Motorshow during the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the presence of Chris Jansen, CEO of the AA, and Edmund King, the president of the AA.

Bell was the grand marshal at the 2014 Silverstone 6 Hours, 2010 Twelve Hours of Sebring and 2021 24 hours of Le Mans.[11][12][13]

Awards

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Racing record

[edit]

Career summary

[edit]
Season Series Team Races Wins Poles F/Laps Podiums Points Position
1966 British Formula Three N/A 2 1 0 1 1 9 12th
1967 British Formula Three Felday Engineering ? ? ? ? ? 30 7th
1968 European Formula Two Scuderia Ferrari 5 0 1 0 1 15 4th
Church Farm Racing Team 3 0 0 0 0
Frank Williams Racing Cars 1 0 0 0 1
Formula One Scuderia Ferrari 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1969 Tasman Series Scuderia Veloce 7 0 0 0 2 21 4th
European Formula Two Scuderia Ferrari 3 0 0 0 0 11 5th
Frank Williams Racing Cars 1 0 0 0 0
Formula One Bruce McLaren Motor Racing 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
European Formula 5000 Championship Team Surtees 1 0 0 0 0 55 46th
1970 European Formula Two Team Wheatcroft Racing 8 1 0 1 4 35 2nd
Tasman Series 3 0 0 0 1 6 10th
World Sportscar Championship Scuderia Ferrari 3 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Formula One Team Wheatcroft Racing 1 0 0 0 0 1 22nd
Team Surtees 1 0 0 0 0
European Formula 5000 Championship Sid Taylor Racing 1 0 1 1 0 0 NC
1971 European Formula Two Frank Williams Racing Cars 5 0 1 0 1 6 13th
European Formula 5000 Championship Sid Taylor Racing 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Formula One Team Surtees 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Can-Am J.W. Automotive 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
1972 SCCA Continental Championship Sid Taylor Racing 4 0 0 0 2 15 14th
Formula One Martini Racing Team 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Ecurie Francorchamps 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 8th
1973 European Formula Two Team Surtees 4 0 1 0 1 13 8th
British Saloon Car Championship Alpina 1 1 0 0 1 9 20th
European Touring Car Championship 1 1 0 0 1 0 NC
Can-Am Motschenbacher Racing 1 0 0 0 0 10 16th
24 Hours of Le Mans Gulf Research Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
1974 Formula One Bang & Olufsen Team Surtees 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
European Formula Two 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
European Formula 5000 Championship Hogan Racing 1 0 1 1 0 10 23rd
Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft BMW Motorsport 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Gulf Research Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 4th
1975 Interserie Willi Kauhsen Racing Team 4 1 1 1 1 64 4th
European Formula 5000 Championship RAM Racing 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Gulf Research Racing 1 1 1 0 1 N/A 1st
1976 Shellsport International Series Hexagon Racing 2 0 0 1 1 27 11th
British Saloon Car Championship British Leyland 1 0 0 0 0 9 ?
SCCA Continental Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Touring Cars Inc. 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 5th
1977 Shellsport International Series Hexagon Racing 5 1 0 1 1 42 11th
Interserie Willi Kauhsen Racing Team 1 1 1 1 1 20 17th
24 Hours of Le Mans Renault Sport 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
1978 British Saloon Car Championship Hexagon Racing 1 0 0 0 0 6 30th
Rothmans International Series Porsche Car Distributors 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Renault Sport 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
1979 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Touring Cars Inc. 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
1980 24 Hours of Le Mans Porsche System 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 13th
1981 World Sportscar Championship Porsche System 10 1 0 0 4 96 7th
24 Hours of Le Mans 1 1 0 0 1 N/A 1st
1982 World Sportscar Championship Rothmans Porsche System 5 2 0 0 4 70 3rd
IMSA GT Championship Bob Akin Motor Racing 8 0 0 0 2 61 9th
24 Hours of Le Mans Rothmans Porsche System 1 1 0 0 1 N/A 1st
1983 World Sportscar Championship Rothmans Porsche System 7 3 0 0 5 94 2nd
European Endurance Championship 3 0 0 0 2 88 2nd
All-Japan Sports Prototype Championship 1 1 1 1 1 20 4th
24 Hours of Le Mans 1 0 0 0 1 N/A 2nd
1984 IMSA GT Championship Holbert Racing 13 5 2 3 9 164 3rd
World Sportscar Championship Rothmans Porsche 6 4 0 0 4 91 4th
International Race of Champions 4 0 0 ? 1 35 6th
European Formula Two Onyx Race Engineering 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1985 IMSA GT Championship Holbert Racing 11 6 0 1 8 154 2nd
World Sportscar Championship Rothmans Porsche 9 3 0 0 7 117 1st
International Race of Champions 3 0 0 ? 0 31 6th
24 Hours of Le Mans Rothmans Porsche 1 0 1 0 1 N/A 3rd
1986 IMSA GT Championship Holbert Racing 14 3 0 1 7 154 3rd
World Sportscar Championship Rothmans Porsche 7 2 0 0 5 82 1st
Joest Racing
John Fitzpatrick Racing
24 Hours of Le Mans Rothmans Porsche 1 1 1 0 1 N/A 1st
24 Hours of Daytona Holbert Racing 1 1 ? ? 1 N/A 1st
1987 World Sportscar Championship Porsche AG 10 1 0 0 5 99 5th
Joest Racing
Rothmans Porsche Team Schuppan
IMSA GT Championship Holbert Racing 8 2 0 0 3 93 6th
International Race of Champions 4 0 0 0 0 27 12th
All-Japan Sports Prototype Championship Rothmans Porsche Team Schuppan 1 0 0 0 0 6 39th
24 Hours of Le Mans Rothmans Porsche 1 1 0 0 1 N/A 1st
24 Hours of Daytona Holbert Racing 1 1 ? 0 1 N/A 1st
World Rally Championship GM Euro Sport 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1988 World Sportscar Championship Richard Lloyd Racing 5 0 0 0 1 20 37th
Porsche AG
Takefuji Schuppan Racing Team
IMSA GT Championship Holbert Racing 9 0 0 0 3 73 11th
24 Hours of Le Mans Porsche AG 1 0 1 1 1 N/A 2nd
World Rally Championship GM Dealer Sport 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1989 World Sportscar Championship Richard Lloyd Racing 6 0 0 0 0 18 22nd
IMSA GT Championship Miller-BF Goodrich 6 1 0 0 1 34 20th
24 Hours of Le Mans Richard Lloyd Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A DNF
24 Hours of Daytona Miller-BF Goodrich 1 1 0 0 1 N/A 1st
1990 IMSA GT Championship Momo-Gebhardt Racing 6 0 0 0 0 20 29th
All-Japan Sports Prototype Championship Alpha Nova Racing 4 0 0 0 0 8 24th
World Sportscar Championship Equipe Alméras Frères 2 0 0 0 0 0 NC
Konrad Motorsport
Joest Porsche Racing
24 Hours of Le Mans Joest Porsche Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 4th
1991 IMSA GT Championship Nissan Performance Technology 5 0 0 0 1 24 24th
Momo-Gebhardt Racing
World Sportscar Championship Konrad Motorsport 2 0 0 0 0 8 38th
Team Salamin Primagaz
24 Hours of Le Mans Konrad Motorsport 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 7th
Joest Porsche Racing
1993 IMSA GT Championship 11 0 0 0 3 88 4th
24 Hours of Le Mans Courage Compétition 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 10th
1994 IMSA GT Championship Auto Toy Store 2 1 0 0 1 27 28th
24 Hours of Le Mans Gulf Oil Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 6th
1995 IMSA GT Championship Auto Toy Store 2 0 0 0 1 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Harrods Mach One Racing 1 0 0 0 1 N/A 3rd
1996 IMSA GT Championship ? ? ? ? ? 22 23rd
BPR Global GT Series Freisinger Motorsport 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
24 Hours of Le Mans Harrods Mach One Racing 1 0 0 0 0 N/A 6th
1997 IMSA GT Championship Moretti Racing 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
1998 IMSA GT Championship Matthews-Colucci Racing 1 0 0 0 0 1 46th
1999 United States Road Racing Championship Matthews-Colucci Racing 1 0 0 0 0 28 38th
GT World Challenge America Speedvision/Vortech 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
2000 GT World Challenge America Champion Audi Racing 10 0 0 0 0 121 12th
Rolex Sports Car Series EMKA Racing 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
2001 GT World Challenge America Legends of Motorsport 9 0 0 0 2 142 11th
2002 GT World Challenge America Champion Audi Racing 10 0 0 0 0 174 7th
2003 Rolex Sports Car Series Derhaag Motorsports 1 0 0 0 0 21 68th
2004 GT World Challenge America Volvo Cars North America 3 0 0 0 0 5 50th
2005 GT World Challenge America 5 0 0 0 0 30 34th
2008 Rolex Sports Car Series RVO Motorsports 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC
2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup 1 0 0 0 0 0 NC†

† As Bell was a guest driver, he was ineligible for championship points.

Complete European Formula Two Championship results

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Pos. Pts
1968 Frank Williams Racing Cars Brabham BT23C Ford HOC
Ret 		4th 15
Church Farm Racing Team THR
3 		JAR
Ret 		PAL
Ret
Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari 166 Ferrari TUL
7 		ZAN
14 		PER
5 		HOC
3 		VAL
6
1969 Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari 166 Ferrari THR
Ret 		HOC NÜR
5 		JAR
8 		TUL PER 5th 11
Frank Williams Racing Cars Brabham BT30 Ford VAL
4
1970 Team Wheatcroft Racing Brabham BT30 Ford THR
3 		HOC
3 		BAR
1 		ROU
7 		PER
7 		TUL
4 		IMO
3 		HOC
6 		2nd 35
1971 Frank Williams Racing Cars March 712M Ford HOC THR
3 		NÜR
Ret 		JAR PAL
8 		ROU MAN
8 		TUL ALB
DNQ 		VAL
Ret 		VAL 13th 6
1973 Team Surtees Surtees TS15 Ford MAL HOC
3 		THR NÜR
4 		PAU KIN NIV HOC
Ret 		ROU MNZ
4 		MAN KAR PER SAL NOR ALB VAL 8th 13
1974 Bang & Olufsen Team Surtees Surtees TS15A BMW BAR HOC PAU SAL HOC
Ret 		MUG KAR PER HOC VAL NC 0
1984 Onyx Race Engineering March 842 BMW SIL HOC THR VAL MUG PAU HOC MIS PER DON BRH
9 		NC 0
Source:[17]

Complete Formula One World Championship results

[edit]

(key)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 WDC Pts
1968 Scuderia Ferrari SpA SEFAC Ferrari 312/68 Ferrari 242C 3.0 V12 RSA ESP MON BEL NED FRA GBR GER ITA
Ret 		CAN NC 0
Ferrari 312/67/68 Ferrari 242 3.0 V12 USA
Ret 		MEX
1969 Bruce McLaren Motor Racing McLaren M9A Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 RSA ESP MON NED FRA GBR
Ret 		GER ITA CAN USA MEX NC 0
1970 Tom Wheatcroft Racing Brabham BT26A Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 RSA ESP MON BEL
Ret 		NED FRA GBR GER AUT ITA CAN 22nd 1
Team Surtees Surtees TS7 USA
6 		MEX
1971 Team Surtees Surtees TS9 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 RSA ESP MON NED FRA GBR
Ret 		GER AUT ITA CAN USA NC 0
1972 Martini Racing Team Tecno PA123 Tecno Series-P 3.0 F12 ARG RSA ESP MON BEL FRA
DNS 		GBR GER
Ret 		AUT ITA
DNQ 		CAN
DNS 		USA
Ret 		NC 0
1974 Bang & Olufsen Team Surtees Surtees TS16 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 ARG BRA RSA ESP BEL MON SWE NED FRA GBR
DNQ 		GER
11 		NC 0
Team Surtees AUT
DNQ 		ITA
DNQ 		CAN
DNQ 		USA
Source:[17][18]

Complete Formula One Non-Championship results

[edit]

(key)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1968 Scuderia Ferrari SpA SEFAC Ferrari 312/67/68 Ferrari 242 3.0 V12 ROC INT OUL
Ret
1969 Scuderia Ferrari SpA SEFAC Ferrari 312/68 Ferrari 255C 3.0 V12 ROC INT
9 		MAD OUL
1970 Tom Wheatcroft Racing Brabham BT26A Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 ROC
DNS 		INT OUL
1971 Tom Wheatcroft Racing March 701 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 ARG
Ret 		ROC
Frank Williams Racing Cars QUE
15 		SPR INT RIN OUL VIC
Source:[17][18]

Complete Tasman Series results

[edit]

(key)

Year Team Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Pos. Pts
1969 Scuderia Veloce Dino 246 Tasmania Ferrari 2.4 V6 PUK
4 		LEV
Ret 		WIG
5 		TER
5 		LAK
2 		WAR
2 		SAN
5 		4th 21
1970 Wheatcroft Racing Brabham BT26A Ford Cosworth DFW 2.5 V8 LEV
9 		PUK
2 		WIG
Ret 		TER SUR WAR SAN 10th 6
Source:[17]

Complete European F5000 Championship results

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Pos. Pts
1969 Team Surtees Surtees TS5A Chevrolet 5.0 V8 OUL BRH BRH MAL SIL MON KOK ZAN
14 		SNE HOC OUL BRH 46th 55
1970 Sid Taylor Racing McLaren M10B Chevrolet 5.0 V8 OUL BRH ZOL ZAN SIL BRH CAS MAL MON SIL MNZ
Ret 		AND SAL THR SIL OUL SNE HOC OUL BRH NC 0
1971 Sid Taylor Racing McLaren M18 Chevrolet 5.0 V8 MAL SNE BRH MON SIL CAS MAL MNZ
Ret 		MAL THR SIL OUL SNE HOC OUL
Ret 		BRH BRH NC 0
1974 Hogan Racing Lola T330 Chevrolet 5.0 V8 BRH MAL SIL OUL BRH ZOL THR
4 		ZAN MUG MNZ MAL MON THR BRH OUL SNE MAL BRH 23rd 10
1975 RAM Racing Chevron B28 Chevrolet 5.0 V8 BRH OUL BRH SIL ZOL ZAN THR
Ret 		SNE MAL THR BRH OUL SIL SNE MAL BRH NC 0
Source:[17]

Complete Shellsport International Series results

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Chassis Engine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Pos. Pts
1976 Hexagon Racing Penske PC3 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 MAL SNE OUL BRH THR BRH MAL SNE BRH THR OUL BRH
4 		BRH
2 		11th 27
1977 Hexagon Racing Penske PC3 Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0 V8 MAL SNE OUL
1 		BRH
4 		MAL THR
Ret 		BRH OUL MAL
DSQ 		DON
4 		BRH
DNS 		THR SNE BRH 11th 42
Source:[17]

Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results

[edit]
Year Team Co-drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
pos.
1970 Italy SpA Ferrari SEFAC Sweden Ronnie Peterson Ferrari 512S S
5.0 		39 DNF DNF
1971 United Kingdom John Wyer Automotive Engineering Ltd. Switzerland Jo Siffert Porsche 917LH S
5.0 		DNF DNF
1972 Belgium Ecurie Francorchamps Belgium Teddy Pilette
United Kingdom Richard Bond 		Ferrari 365 GTB/4 GT
5.0 		301 8th 4th
1973 United Kingdom Gulf Research Racing New Zealand Howden Ganley Mirage M6-Ford Cosworth S
3.0 		163 DNF DNF
1974 United Kingdom Gulf Research Racing United Kingdom Mike Hailwood Gulf GR7-Ford Cosworth S
3.0 		317 4th 4th
1975 United Kingdom Gulf Research Racing Belgium Jacky Ickx Mirage GR8-Ford Cosworth S
3.0 		336 1st 1st
1976 United States Grand Touring Cars Inc. Australia Vern Schuppan Mirage GR8-Ford Cosworth S
3.0 		326 5th 4th
1977 France Renault Sport France Jean-Pierre Jabouille Renault Alpine A442 S
+2.0 		257 DNF DNF
1978 France Renault Sport France Jean-Pierre Jarier Renault Alpine A442A S
+2.0 		162 DNF DNF
1979 United States Grand Touring Cars Inc.
France Ford Concessionaires France 		United Kingdom David Hobbs
Australia Vern Schuppan 		Mirage M10-Ford Cosworth S
+2.0 		262 DNF DNF
1980 Germany Porsche System United States Al Holbert Porsche 924 Carrera GT GTP 305 13th 6th
1981 Germany Porsche System Belgium Jacky Ickx Porsche 936 S
+2.0 		354 1st 1st
1982 Germany Rothmans Porsche System Belgium Jacky Ickx Porsche 956 C 359 1st 1st
1983 Germany Rothmans Porsche System Belgium Jacky Ickx Porsche 956 C 370 2nd 2nd
1985 Germany Rothmans Porsche Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck Porsche 962C C1 367 3rd 3rd
1986 Germany Rothmans Porsche United States Al Holbert
Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck 		Porsche 962C C1 368 1st 1st
1987 Germany Rothmans Porsche Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck
United States Al Holbert 		Porsche 962C C1 355 1st 1st
1988 Germany Porsche AG Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck
Germany Klaus Ludwig 		Porsche 962C C1 394 2nd 2nd
1989 United Kingdom Richard Lloyd Racing United Kingdom Tiff Needell
United Kingdom James Weaver 		Porsche 962C GTi C1 339 DNF DNF
1990 Germany Joest Porsche Racing Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck
Germany Frank Jelinski 		Porsche 962C C1 350 4th 4th
1991 Austria Konrad Motorsport
Germany Joest Porsche Racing 		Germany Hans-Joachim Stuck
Germany Frank Jelinski 		Porsche 962C C2 347 7th 7th
1992 United Kingdom ADA Engineering United Kingdom Tiff Needell
United Kingdom Justin Bell 		Porsche 962C GTi C3 284 12th 5th
1993 France Courage Compétition France Lionel Robert
France Pascal Fabre 		Courage C30LM-Porsche C2 347 10th 5th
1994 United Kingdom Gulf Oil Racing United Kingdom Robin Donovan
Germany Jürgen Lässig 		Kremer K8 Spyder-Porsche LMP1
/C90 		316 6th 3rd
1995 United Kingdom Harrods Mach One Racing
United Kingdom David Price Racing 		United Kingdom Andy Wallace
United Kingdom Justin Bell 		McLaren F1 GTR GT1 296 3rd 2nd
1996 United Kingdom Harrods Mach One Racing
United Kingdom David Price Racing 		United Kingdom Andy Wallace
France Olivier Grouillard 		McLaren F1 GTR GT1 328 6th 5th
Source:[19]

Complete British Saloon Car Championship results

[edit]

(key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

Year Team Car Class 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 DC Pts Class
1973 BMW-Alpina BMW 3.0 CSL D BRH SIL THR THR SIL ING BRH SIL
1 		BRH 20th 9 4th
1976 British Leyland Triumph Dolomite Sprint C BRH SIL OUL THR THR SIL BRH
2 		MAL SNE BRH 23rd 9 8th
1978 British Leyland Triumph Dolomite Sprint C SIL OUL THR BRH SIL DON MAL BRH
7 		DON BRH THR OUL 30th 6 9th
Source:[20]

Complete Bathurst 1000 results

[edit]
Year Team Co-drivers Car Class Laps Pos. Class
pos.
1977 Australia Brian Foley Pty Limited Australia Garry Leggatt Alfa Romeo 2000 Up to 2000cc 150 8th 1st
1978 Australia Ron Hodgson Channel 7 Racing Austria Dieter Quester Holden LX Torana SS A9X Hatchback A 5 DNF DNF
1979 Australia Brian Foley P/L Australia Phil McDonnell Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV C 145 9th 2nd
1980 Australia Brian Foley Pty Ltd Australia Phil McDonnell Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV 2000 1601-2000cc 16 DNF DNF
1981 Australia Peter Stuyvesant International Racing Canada Allan Moffat Mazda RX-7 6 Cylinder & Rotary 119 3rd 1st

Complete WRC results

[edit]
Year Entrant Car 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 WDC Pts
1987 GM Euro Sport Vauxhall Astra GTE MON SWE POR KEN FRA GRE USA NZL ARG FIN CIV ITA GBR
Ret 		NC 0
1988 GM Dealer Sport Vauxhall Astra GTE MON SWE POR KEN FRA GRE USA NZL ARG FIN CIV ITA GBR
29 		NC 0

References

[edit]
  1. ^ AUSringers.com – Hans-Joachim Stuck speaks to AUSringers Retrieved 4 April 2009
  2. ^ "McLaren Racing - Heritage - Derek Bell".
  3. ^ "Derek Bell looks back on his participations in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (video)". lemans.org. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  4. ^ Bell, Derek (2 October 2009). "Derek Bell on Steve McQueen". Vanity Fair. No. October. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  5. ^ https://twitter.com/MrDerekBell Twitter account https://twitter.com/MrDerekBell/status/379323628740808705/photo/1
  6. ^ "One chassis, Five le Mans". 7 July 2014.
  7. ^ Daily Telegraph https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQyYDXCr5VY&list=PLJnf_DDTfIVB58U9tPO2vRf5KNv9uohFL Retrieved 6 June 2014
  8. ^ "Trustees & Influencers | Dementia Charity | Dementia Support". Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  9. ^ "Patrons & Honorary Life President".
  10. ^ "Pagham Pram Race | Homepage". Archived from the original on 1 January 2009.
  11. ^ "Derek Bell Named Sebring 12 Hours Grand Marshal". 5 March 2010.
  12. ^ "Derek Bell named grand marshal for 2014 Silverstone WEC opener". 24 March 2014.
  13. ^ "WEC - Derek Bell, 2021 24 Hours of le Mans Grand Marshal". 21 July 2021.
  14. ^ Derek Bell at the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America
  15. ^ "24 Heures du Mans 90 years old! That calls for a celebration! | The official website of 24 Heures du Mans". www.24h-lemans.com. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013.
  16. ^ "Derek Bell honored with 2017 Simeone Spirit of Competition Award/". www.hemmings.com. Retrieved 17 October 2018.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Derek Bell – Biography". MotorSportMagazine. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  18. ^ a b "35 results found for Derek Bell". OldRacingCars. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  19. ^ "All Results of Derek Bell". RacingSportCars. Retrieved 29 January 2019.
  20. ^ de Jong, Frank. "British Saloon Car Championship". History of Touring Car Racing 1952-1993. Retrieved 7 September 2022.
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Derek Bell (racecar driver).
Sporting positions
Preceded by Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
1975
With: Jacky Ickx 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
1981-1982
With: Jacky Ickx 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
1986-1987
With: Hans-Joachim Stuck & Al Holbert 		Succeeded by
Preceded by World Sportscar Championship
Champion
1985–1986
With: Hans-Joachim Stuck (1985) 		Succeeded by
Awards
Preceded by Autosport
British Competition Driver of the Year
1984 		Succeeded by
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