Townsend Bell drives Indy cars for a living, so it's no surprise he considers doing 40 knots in his Beneteau Barracuda relaxing. After college (at UC Santa Barbara, where he was captain of the waterski team), he spent the next several years competing in regional and national events, climbing the race car ladder, before his first big win with the 2001 Indy Lights Championship. Bell is a color commentator for NBC Sports with lead anchor Leigh Diffey and fellow analyst Paul Tracy. These people just keep calling me to do TV, maybe I ought to actually put a little effort into it. Well, actually, I'm back to zero now on Rolex watches, so maybe I would have been thinking during the race I had to win because I've got to start my whole collection over now.". "Behind me was nothing, just a brick wall. Autoweek participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Bell made his sports car debut in 2012 and won the 12 Hours of Sebring on debut with Alex Job Racing. Posts. I never really thought, 'I'm gonna be that guy someday.' . "It was a really neat trip, and a part of the country we kids wouldn't have seen, and in a way that we never would have seen it. So, we had to level off at like 12,000 feet while they were working on it and they said they werent going to be able to do this and we were going to have to go back to Indy. Gavin will race in the No. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. "I was always just moving up: more horsepower, downforce, slick tires I was relying so much on seat of the pants, I had no knowledge of car setup, a number of fronts. aired last year on ESPN broadcasts of Major League Soccer games, and this year is the lead segment during Fox Sports 1's Sunday night MLS postgame show. He also was entered in a third team car in the Indy 500, where he qualified twelfth and finished tenth. "But I really enjoy it. Bell is hoping that makes it easier for the items to be found. But Bell was also scheduled to be at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the IndyCar race on Saturday. Ann Dermody is the former managing editor of BoatUS Magazine. Heather Bell Director, Residential Estates heather.bell@theagencyre.com (310) 779-7211 License: DRE #1897826 A Los Angeles resident for more than 20 years, Heather Bell has built a reputation for her willingness to work tirelessly on behalf of her clients to get the job done. So that reignited my interest to stay involved, and I've been involved ever since.". 12 with Zach Veach and Frankie Montecalvo, who were announced in this ride last week. "It was almost ridiculous that I went from being a college student Indy-car fan to, 'Holy shit, somebody's going to pay me like a lot of money to drive their Indy car.' His 2014 Indianapolis 500, back with KV Racing Technology in the No. Christopher Bell is married to his wife, Morgan Kemenah who is also his best friend. I told her Its just a car race! said Bell, who is also an IndyCar analyst for NBC Sports. Hobbs and Steve Matchett, analysts for NBC Sports Formula 1 coverage, occasionally rotate if Bell is on assignment. And I haven't had a successful Indy Car career, I've gotten there and had a couple of good runs, but I mean, I have very little to show for it in the fragmented running that I've done. After landing, Vasser rented a car and off they set on Interstate 95. You look in front of you, you see the steepest, most difficult climb you can imagine, trying to make it as a professional race-car driver, you're like well that looks better than the wall behind me. In the famous Indy500 in 2016 Townsend clocked a top speed of 241.637mph. One brother went to Alaska, another to New York. IMSA was racing in Daytona on Saturday, returning to racing for the first time since January. or 'Test Drive' with Tommy Kendall. Furthermore, Zach was initially set to share the Lexus entry with Frankie before he tested positive. He raced a partial season and scored a best finish of fourth at Portland. During his leisure, Bell enjoys spending his time with family members and friends. JV on the case. He was a passenger on a plane chartered by team co-owner Jimmy Vasser that had an in-flight emergency. Townsend Bell (born April 19, 1975) is an American professional motor racing driver competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and also as a motorsports commentator for NBC Sports IndyCar Series coverage. To see suggested results, please type at least 2 characters to specify a city, neighborhood, address, or agent. All his items are engraved with his name, year and achievement. Former IndyCar driver Townsend Bell, who now works as an NBC analyst for the IndyCar series decided early last week he would try his own double duty this past weekend. When Bell was growing up in San Francisco, his dad promised him and his two brothers that when each turned 10, he would take them on a father-son bonding trip of their choosing. In the famous Indy500 in 2016 Townsend clocked a top speed of 241.637mph.[6]. Bell has contested nine Indianapolis 500s, including this year's, with a best finish of fourth in 2011. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Menu. Since his return to the U.S. in 2004 to race in the IndyCar Series, he's competed in the Indianapolis 500 eight times, and in 2012 won the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring race on his first attempt. He won the Indy Lights championship in 2001 and earned two starts in a Champ Car in a joint effort between Patrick Racing and Dale Coyne Racing as a test for a full-time seat in 2002. Bell has filled in for Formula One coverage on NBC, most notably in 2016 when he replaced Will Buxton, who was on bereavement leave for the races at Sepang and Mexico City. His best result in 2008 was an eighth-place finish at Richmond International Raceway in June. Its first on-air property, "What'Cha Got", Verified. Townsend Bell (born April 19, 1975) is an American professional motor racing driver competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and also as a motorsports commentator for NBC Sports' IndyCar Series coverage. Thanks to the same storms that prevented them from landing in Daytona, the start of the race was delayed, and Bell made it to the speedway in time, pulling into the infield just before 6 p.m. Vasser was able to see his Lexus team finish first and second in the GTD class, and Bell was able to smile after finishing second. Because as an Indy Car driver, it's all on your shoulders in a way. His wife is Heather Bell Townsend Bell Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. "[When] I came back [from Europe] and started racing Indy cars it was like, 'Man, this is a lot of work; Indy Car is struggling, struggling.' He's got a Porsche and a Bimmer (his wife drives the Porsche). He qualified 4th and led 12 laps in the 2016 Indy 500, racing for Andretti Autosport, before an incident on pit road during caution. Townsend is 47 years old. Private and Luxury. However, due to tragic events, the truth about his failing marriage began to make headlines in 2019. Furthermore, Townsend and his wife Heather had their first date at the . Additionally, the couple is proud parents of two handsome sons namely Jensen and Jaxon. ", As a family vacation, that wouldn't have been so unusual if it weren't for the fact the Bells lived in San Francisco, some 2,000 miles from the mighty river. By 2000 Bell raced in Indy Lights and collected two wins, finishing runner-up to future Indy Car star Scott Dixon. Before he had his start in the media career, Townsend has been racing motorsports series for at least two decades both at the domestic and international level. His wife is Costa Rican, and the couple has been dating since 2013. Full text is unavailable for this digitized archive article. You could feel your ears plugging up and then releasing. However, in 2001, Townsend won the title of the Indy Little series. He hit trade shows carrying business cards. ', "In the back of my head I always was confident I was a good driver, because when I did go-karts, I only raced for about a year and a half but I just was good at it. Bell was on a limited-month schedule but had an impressive race day, advancing from 24th on the grid up to the top five. He is 47 years old. "My first real boating experience was kind of funny," says Los Angeles-based race-car driver and NBC Sports' IndyCar broadcaster Townsend Bell. Townsend Bell was born on 19 April, 1975 in San Francisco, CA, is an American racing driver. Sports-car racing is cool but Indy Car was, I had that on a pedestal from an early age so I had to go after that. Bells team finished fifth in class in the twice-round-the-clock endurance race that ended Sunday. #punchonthru pic.twitter.com/MUj19XsOkI. He is currently competing full-time in the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona class with Alex Job Racing in an Audi R8 GT3 and will return to Le Mans with Ferrari. Exclusive: Early-Bird Tasting Tour of Pike Place Market. My wife and kids are into it. "The total weight of the outboard exceeded the maximum weight of checked baggage allowed, so my dad disassembled the lower unit and carried it on as hand baggage, and the four of us set off for Minneapolis. He has been working as a professional motor racing driver for at least two decades. HIS OWN DRAMATIC STORY In His Poor, Warped Mind His Love for His Dead Wife Became a Craze for Murder. Bell drove in the CART series in 2001 and 2002 before a season in Formula 3000 in 2003. The accelerated climb to the sport's summit was almost unheard of, but natural talent and driving for Dorricott Racing, at the time Indy Light's best team, masked his inexperience only so much. He earned Roberto Moreno's seat at Patrick that year. His efforts shifted to Europe and in 2003 he was teammate to series champion Bjrn Wirdheim in International F3000 competition. All his items are engraved with his name, year and achievement. "He loved it, and I found myself lingering longer and longer after drop-off in the mornings, wandering around thinking to myself, 'Boy, that sure would be nice '", Eight months later, the family became the proud owners of a Beneteau Barracuda, which they regularly take up and down the California coast or over to Catalina. Bell is also a color commentator for NBC Sports's IndyCar, Global RallyCross Championship as well as the host of What'Cha Got on Fox Sports 1. She vastly prefers this to the back of a superbike or jumping on an off-road truck.". sort of moment. Bell says there are more entertainment ideas and productions in the works, but racing remains his focal point and likely will as long as success in sports cars continues. It seemed so unattainable and larger than life.". In the end its just stuff, but its special to just me, Bell told AP. See all 15 photos. A partial CART season in 2002 did not produce spectacular results, though a fourth- and seventh-place finish caught attention. Townsend Bell. A proper cruiser, if you will. The wedding took place one week before Bell competes in a Cup car for the first time at Daytona International Speedway. He started one race as an injury replacement for Tom Enge in the same car in 2005. The pairing finished fourth overall in the full season GT Daytona class points. , money, salary, income, and assets. Ive been in four or five states, weve had airplane issues, some drama in the skies, a lot of fun in Indianapolis earlier today. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. It wasn't because I was a natural-born conversationalist. Bell is hoping that makes it easier for the items to be found. The Agency and The Agency logo are registered trademarks of The Agency IP Holdco, LLC under license to its parents and affiliates. Another brief dalliance in karting at age 16 followed, but he spent his high-school sports tenure mostly on the soccer field. Well, actually, Im back to zero now on Rolex watches, so maybe I would have been thinking during the race I had to win because Ive got to start my whole collection over now.. Bell has also both competed and commented in the Stadium Super Trucks.[8]. While growing up, his father bought a boat for going down the Mississippi river while they were residing in San Francisco. 6 Robert Graham Dallara-Chevrolet, marked his eighth start in the event and seventh consecutive. "I told her 'It's just a car race!'" ". Throw his broadcasting work with NBC and a hectic family life with two small boys into the mix, and boating had to take something of a backseat for a time. "We literally took the boat on American Airlines as checked baggage," he laughs. Any time the pilot pulls out the owners manual, its generally not a good sign midflight, Bell said. 1.8m ). "It's the perfect boat for us because it has an enclosed pilothouse and we can spend the night, if we want," he says. Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Top 250 TV Shows Most Popular TV Shows Most Popular Video Games Most Popular Music Videos Most Popular Podcasts. Release Calendar Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie . The Associated Press 0:05 1:00 Townsend Bell competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona over the weekend, then flew home to Los Angeles to receive bad news from his wife: Their home had been. So I'm really glad that I kind of went all-in. Townsend Bell's income source is mostly from being a successful Driver. "I was totally mesmerized I just loved cars, I grew up on a very regular diet of [car- and speed-related TV like] 'CHiPs,' 'Knight Rider,' 'Air Wolf,' 'Street Hawk,' 'Dukes of Hazzard' -- that's the fab five. By continuing to use our website, youre agreeing to our cookie policy. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 45 years old? Oliver Gavin and Townsend Bell join Vasser Sullivan Racing as part of the two-car driver lineup for the 24 Hours of Daytona. By qualifying fourth fastest, he started the 95th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing on the inside of the second row. Bell moved to Europe's F3000 series in pursuit of becoming the first American since Michael Andretti in 1993 to compete in Formula One, and he tested briefly for the Jaguar and BAR Honda F1 teams. "In the end it's just stuff, but it's special to just me," Bell told AP. Between that and going to the Indy 500, which back in 1986 was the biggest thing in the world bar none I left just totally hooked on Indy car racing and the fantasy of the Indy 500. At 47 years old, Townsend Bell height not available right now. The actor is married to Agatha Araya, with whom he has two children, one of whom is Desmond Townsend. San Luis Obispo's Townsend Bell competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona over the weekend, then flew home to Los Angeles to receive bad news from his wife: Their home had been burglarized and the . At the 2013 X-Games in Munich, Bell competed in Global Rallycross and finished 6th in the final. Townsend Bell was born on 19 April 1975 in San Francisco, California, USA. He is a local of San Luis Obispo, CA, in the United States. A locked drawer in his closet was also removed, and most of the home was ransacked. "You've gotta hear this thing," Townsend Bell greets us as he grins and climbs from a gunmetal gray metallic -- Grigio Silverstone in Maranello parlance -- 2015 . per adult. I'm actually pretty shy. We use cookies to enhance your visit to our website and to improve your experience. Townsend Bell competed in the Rolex 24 at Daytona then flew home to Los Angeles to receive bad news from his wife: Their home had been burglarized and the bulk of his racing memorabilia had been . Some of Townsends colleagues at NBC include: In June 2021, Townsend shared an entry for the No. IRISH movie star Stuart Townsend is reportedly facing a domestic abuse charge after he was arrested following a fight with his wife. Bell was on a limited-month schedule but had an impressive race day, advancing from 24th on the grid up to the top five. Documents state Townsend-Bell billed Medicaid for. (key) (Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap. Hobbs and Steve Matchett, analysts for NBC Sports Formula 1 coverage, occasionally rotate in if Bell is on assignment. Bell still races in the IMSA series as part of the AIM Vasser Sullivan Lexus team. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. I was 10 years old at the time, and we started out with that boat in San Francisco Bay as the precursor to our Mississippi trip. Bells home was one of five burglarized in his Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Townsend Bell is an American professional motor racing driver who is currently working as a Racing Commentator for NBC. He is a man of above-average stature. The Agency IP Holdco, LLC and its parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, franchisees of its affiliates, and network partners make no representations, warranties, or guaranties as to the accuracy of the information contained herein, including square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition, suitability or features of the property. He is currently working as a racing commentator for NBC along with Leigh Diffey and James Hinchcliffe. Athlete. Despite earning a test with British American Racing at year's end, Bell returned to America where he replaced Mark Taylor for Panther Racing in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series midway through 2004, and posted a best finish of fifth. "The only reason I understood that [business stuff] was because I had zero options," he says. Started one race as an injury replacement for Tom Enge in the Indy little.! Effort into it name, year and achievement please type at least two decades any the! 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