IMSA Driver Townsend Bell Answers Our Fast Five Questions

August 31, 2020 by WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

Bell races a Lexus for AIM Vasser Sullivan in the IMSA GT3 series

Townsend Bell, currently driving for the AIM Vasser Sullivan team and competing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in his No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3, came to IMSA after building a strong foundation in several different racing series.

His career started in 2000 as an Indy Lights driver after developing his skills through karting, Skip Barber, Formula Dodge and the Barber Dodge Pro Series. The following year, he won the Indy Lights championship and raced briefly in Champ Car. With a taste for international racing, Bell spent time in Europe competing in the International Formula 3000 series. Townsend, familiar with victory, was quick to earn the status as the first American to secure a podium position with a 3rd place finish in 2003.

As an IMSA driver, he boasts a victory from VIR and top five results in six out of 10 races for 2015. The previous year, Bell won the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in addition to a GTD class victory at Daytona. Just last year, in his Lexus, Bell earned two podium finishes with a best result of second at Daytona.

A regular motorsports commentator for NBC Sports' IndyCar Series coverage, Townsend graciously took some time recently to answer our Fast Five questions.

1. What three race cars from any era would you like to race, but have not?

- Jordan 191 - F1 Car

- 1994 Penske pushrod - Indy 500 Car

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- World of Outlaws Sprint car

2. What motivates you?

- Wife, 2 boys, and a mortgage!

- Oh…And being first to the finish, with a team effort.

3. Which turn here is the likely one to trip you up?

- Turn 6. It begs for more every time...Until it doesn't.

4. What advice did your parents give you when you told them you wanted to be a race car driver?

- Good luck!

5. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca aside, which are your two favorite tracks and why?

- Le Mans. Such a cool mix of street course and permanent road course that is blended with so much history.

- First is Indianapolis. Simply the best. World's greatest celebration of speed.