Derek Bell

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Bell's journey to Le Mans stardom began with a drive in a privately entered Ferrari 512M at the 1970 Spa 1000 km, which led to a works drive at Le Mans that same year alongside Ronnie Peterson. His reputation as a world-class racer was cemented during his first victory in 1975, teaming with Jacky Ickx in a Gulf Mirage GR8. That win was just the start; he returned to triumph again in 1981 and 1982 in Porsche machinery, sharing the 1982 victory once more with Ickx in the Rothmans Porsche 956. The mid-1980s saw his most dominant stretch, winning back-to-back titles in 1986 and 1987 with teammates Hans-Joachim Stuck and Al Holbert in the Rothmans Porsche 962. His versatility was further highlighted by winning the Spa 1000 km on both the original 14 km track in 1975 (with Henri Pescarolo in an Alfa Romeo Tipo 33TT12) and the shorter circuit in 1984 (with Stefan Bellof in a Porsche 956).

In Their Own Story

Bell's connection to Le Mans was forged in fire during the filming of the movie 'Le Mans' in 1970. While getting into position for a take, the Ferrari 512 he was driving suddenly caught fire. Bell managed to escape just before the car was engulfed in flames, suffering only minor burns, though the vehicle was badly damaged. This near-miss did not deter him; instead, it marked the beginning of a legendary relationship with the circuit. In 1971, he achieved his highest ever speed at Le Mans during an April test day, reaching a calculated top speed of 246 mph on the Mulsanne Straight in the JW Gulf Porsche 917LH. His final Le Mans appearance came in 1996, racing a McLaren F1 GTR, bookending a career that included five wins and participation spanning decades. One of his proudest moments, however, was not a victory but a third-place finish with his son Justin in the Harrods sponsored McLaren F1 GTR at the 1995 Le Mans on Father's Day.

Reader's Guide

For fans analyzing Bell's record, it is crucial to note the specific machinery and teammates associated with his five Le Mans wins. The 1975 victory came in a Gulf Mirage GR8 with Jacky Ickx. He secured back-to-back wins in 1981 (Porsche 936) and 1982 (Rothmans Porsche 956), again with Ickx for the latter two. The final pair of victories, 1986 and 1987, were achieved in the Rothmans Porsche 962 with a new lineup: Hans-Joachim Stuck and Al Holbert. His consistency extended to other major endurance events; he won the 24 Hours of Daytona three times (1986, 1987, 1989) and claimed the World Sportscar Championship in 1985 and 1986. Bell also holds a unique distinction at Spa, being one of only two drivers to win the 1000 km race on both the original long circuit and the current shorter layout used by Formula One, the other being Jacky Ickx.

Did You Know?

• Bell achieved a calculated top speed of 246 mph on the Mulsanne Straight in 1971 driving the JW Gulf Porsche 917LH.
• He survived a fire during the filming of 'Le Mans' (1970) with Steve McQueen, escaping just before his Ferrari 512 was engulfed in flames.
• Bell is one of only two drivers to win the Spa 1000 km on both the original 14 km track and the shorter Formula One circuit.
• His proudest career moment was finishing third with his son Justin in the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours on Father's Day.
• Bell returned to race a Porsche 962 at Le Mans for the first time in 20 years during a Group C support race on 16 June 2012.