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PSCR: Derek Bell to Compete as World Challenge Driver/Commentator at Mosport

14 May 1999

Racing legend and five-time LeMans winner Derek Bell will drive the No. 30 Speedvision Legends BMW M Coupe in five Speedvision GT Championship races as part of the Legends of Racing Program. Bell will be behind the wheel of a BMW M Coupe prepared by Speedvision GT driver Kermit Upton III, owner of Mountain Auto Sports Racing, at multiple Speedvision World Challenge Events.

"This is going to be a very unique experience, quite different from anything I have done before. I hope to be able to focus commentary on any overtaking maneuvers, assessing other drivers on the track and relay to the television viewers what is going on in my head as I compete in the race," said Bell. "When you are on the radio in a race, you're not normally discussing your driving, it's generally about the car. I've been trying to simulate what it will be like on the roads at home, and it is very difficult. I'm sure that I will improve after a couple of races. "

Bell will make his driver/commentator debut at Mosport Park (May 21-23), and will also drive at Lime Rock (May 29-31), Vancouver (Sept. 4-5), Pikes Peak (Sept. 18-19) and Laguna Seca (Oct. 9-10).

"Competing as an analyst in the Speedvision World Challenge is a great way to help make the transition from racing into television," added Bell. "I was drawn to the challenge of trying to be good at both skills at once. I am able to do my TV and at the same time go racing, which is my passion. The combination of the two has been the precis of the whole thing from the beginning."

"We are excited to have a driver of Derek Bell's caliber in the series," said Mitch Wright, Speedvision World Challenge General Manager. "It should be a great test for our drivers to compete alongside one of the best drivers in the world.. Derek's expertise as an analysts will also be a tremendous asset to the race broadcasts."

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