‘Retiree’ Bell has a ball rocketing back

BEDLINGTON sidecar racer Phil Bell made a strong return to competitive action in an F1 machine last weekend.

Bell, who has been missing from the F1 grid for several years, was back with a bang as the opening round of the Hyundai Heavy Industries British Sidecar Championship fired into action.

The championship, which runs on the MCE British Superbike Championship support programme, kickedoff at Brands Hatch last week and marked Bell’s return to the British F1 scene.

Since ‘retiring’ from the big outfits several years ago, Bell has tried his hand on and off with the smaller F2 versions, but never gelled with them.

So last season he bit the bullet and along with brother Mick, purchased an LCR Suzuki F1 machine for them to share. Mick is racing at club level — and is this weekend out in action at Knockhill — while Phil is racing in the British series with passenger Tony Belsey.

But the Bell/Belsey outfit struggled with a few issues during free practice and qualifying, and started the first race from seventh on the grid. But their hopes of making a rise through the pack were dashed as it soon became clear things weren’t right.

“It was a bit like riding a shopping trolley around there, and in the end we could only get eighth,” said Bell. “We did a fair bit of head scratching and after a few puzzled discussions we checked the rear suspension and found it lost all of its damping.” Bell borrowed a spare unit for the following day’s race, and this time knew it was going to be a better day, based on the fact he would be starting from third on the grid.

The pair rocketed off the line and forced their way straight through into the lead before the pack had even hit the first corner. They managed to eke out a nice lead for the first few laps, but were powerless to stop the big hitters catching and eventually passing them.

As the chequered flag fell the pair crossed the line sixth, much to Bell’s delight. “Our return after six years away from top level racing really couldn’t have gone much better,” he said.

“I was very happy with the start we got and it was a massive boost being able to run around at the front for the opening few laps.

“Unfortunately, I couldn’t quite keep up with my early pace due to lack of set-up on our borrowed suspension for the second race. But to get a top-six placing was mint.

“We’ve ordered new suspension units for Oulton Park next week and have our title sponsor Marin Motorsport to thank for their superb backing. I’m confident we can climb higher up as the season progresses, and I can’t wait to get back out next weekend.”