Career Timeline of Townsend Bell: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Townsend Bell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Townsend Bell is an American professional motor racing driver currently participating in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Additionally, he serves as a motorsports commentator for FOX Sports' IndyCar Series coverage. Bell's career encompasses both active racing and providing expert analysis in the broadcasting realm, showcasing his involvement in motorsports from multiple perspectives.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2000: Competed in Indy Lights

In 2000, Townsend Bell competed in Indy Lights, after time in karting, Skip Barber, Formula Dodge and the Barber Dodge Pro Series.

2001: Won Indy Lights championship

In 2001, Townsend Bell won the Indy Lights championship.

2002: Drove for Patrick Racing in Champ Car

In 2002, Townsend Bell earned Roberto Moreno's seat at Patrick Racing and drove in Champ Car. He was later fired from the team after nine races following a run of disappointing performances.

2003: Competed in International F3000

In 2003, Townsend Bell competed in International F3000. He achieved a 3rd place finish at the Hungaroring and finished 9th overall.

2004: Joined Panther Racing in IndyCar Series

In 2004, Townsend Bell replaced Mark Taylor for Panther Racing in the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series. He posted a best finish of fifth.

2005: Injury Replacement for Tomáš Enge

In 2005, Townsend Bell started one race as an injury replacement for Tomáš Enge in the IndyCar Series.

2006: Indianapolis 500 Appearance

In 2006, Townsend Bell made his first Indianapolis 500 appearance for Vision Racing, qualifying 15th and finishing 22nd.

2008: Returned to IndyCar Series

In 2008, Townsend Bell returned to the IndyCar Series. He also qualified twelfth and finished tenth in the Indy 500.

2009: Competed in the Indy 500 with KV Racing Technology

In 2009, Townsend Bell competed in the Indy 500 with KV Racing Technology and finished fourth.

2011: Qualified Fourth in Indianapolis 500

In 2011, Townsend Bell qualified fourth in the Indianapolis 500, racing for Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

2012: Finished 9th in the Indianapolis 500

In 2012, Townsend Bell finished 9th in the Indianapolis 500 with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

2012: Sports Car Debut and Sebring Win

In 2012, Townsend Bell made his sports car debut and won the 12 Hours of Sebring with Alex Job Racing. He also drove a Lotus Evora GTE in the American Le Mans Series.

2013: Competed in Global Rallycross at X-Games

In 2013, Townsend Bell competed in Global Rallycross at the X-Games in Munich and finished 6th in the final.

2014: Eighth Indianapolis 500 Start

In 2014, Townsend Bell made his eighth start in the Indianapolis 500, driving the No. 6 Robert Graham Dallara-Chevrolet for KV Racing Technology.

2014: Won Rolex 24 at Daytona and Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup

In 2014, Townsend Bell won the Rolex 24 at Daytona driving with Level 5 Motorsports. Also, Bell and Sweedler won the Tequila Patron North American Endurance Cup with AIM Autosport.

2015: IMSA GT Daytona Championship

In 2015, Townsend Bell and Bill Sweedler won the IMSA GT Daytona Championship. They also had a dominant win at VIR and podium finishes in the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of LeMans.

2016: Formula One Coverage on NBC

In 2016, Townsend Bell filled in for Formula One coverage on NBC, replacing Will Buxton for the races at Sepang and Mexico City.

2016: Qualified 4th and Led Laps in Indy 500

In 2016, Townsend Bell qualified 4th and led 12 laps in the Indy 500, racing for Andretti Autosport, before an incident on pit road during caution. He finished 21st.

2016: Won 24 Hours of LeMans

In 2016, Townsend Bell, along with teammates Jeff Segal and Bill Sweedler, won the 24 Hours of LeMans.

2017: Competed in WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona

In 2017, Townsend Bell competed full-time in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona class with Alex Job Racing in an Audi R8 GT3 and returned to Le Mans with Ferrari.