David Bell

North Star

 

30 year old David Bell could be on the brink of real stardom if his career continues to develop as it has done since 2001. Although the current Croft senior champion it is on the roads that David has produced some of his most impressive performances. The Isle of Man is his central focus and one which suites his riding style. Winner of the Martin Smith Trophy in the 2002 Senior Manx Grand Prix Newcomers race and with a 10th in the Senior MGP that year, David went on to score a remarkable 5 replicas from 5 starts at the 2004 TT, including a 9th in the Senior Race. He has also raced on the North West 200 triangle, where he gained a creditable 12th place in the  penultimate race of the 2003 event. Pictured is David's new major sponsor, Kawasaki Newcastle who he will ride for  in 2006.   Dave would like to thank Joe (of joeys bike breakers Newcastle)  and Roger from SMP(Sheet Metal Products) for their support with bikes and help in general over the last three years.

'I probably wouldn't be racing if it weren't for them.' Says David

Also thanks to Moto Direct for supplying Motul oil, AGV Helmets and Wolf leathers for 2005 and 2006.  

2005 had its moments, but David was largely disappointed with the season. Scarborough continues to smile on him, with 4th and 6 th placings in the Superbike Races at the Gold Cup and the Ian Watson Spring meeting. He is still Croft Champion and was unbeaten there in the dry this season. The offer of Kawasakis from Newcastle Kawasaki was a welcome reward for his undoubted talent.

That said, there were lows, not least the 2005 TT where he finished only one race out of 5. Practice week was promising, but in race week serious gear box problems dumped him out of the Superbike race while he was lying 12th. This problem ruled him out of the Superstock race. A 21st in the first Supersport Race reflected concerns about fuel, which were realised in the second SS Race when he ran out of fuel at Creg-ny-ba on lap 2. In the Senior a snapped chain took him out on lap 5. On top of all that his plans to ride in the Ulster were dashed by work commitments.

The TT will once more be his principal target next season, along with Scarborough and a trip to the Ulster.

Perhaps even more important than these aspirations will be the experience of becoming a Dad for the first time in the next few weeks. (The birth of Spencer has , latterly occured )

March 2007

After two miserable years of machine failure, injury and sheer bad luck, North Eastern star Dave Bell hopes to take the Newcastle Kawasakis towards greater things. His record in the Isle of Man in his first two visits there was not far short of outstanding and he is a recognised front runner at Croft and Scarborough. Now, with a scary moment at Greeba Castle behind him and wrist injuries fading, Dave hopes the tide has turned.

 

January 2008

Surely one of the unluckiest guys in the sport, Dave Bell was badly hurt in the IOM in 2006 and lost a finger in a start line accident at the North West last year . Neither accident was down to Dave, even though the consequences were all his to put up with.Typically he bounced back to win the NEMCRC mini twins challenge. He is currently thinking about his plans for next season. Along with Spencer and his wife Sue, Fastrackimages wishes this guy all the best for the coming year and the best of luck for Sue's new travel agency.