When Will It End?

MEDIA RELEASE
17 MARCH 2013

When Will It End?

Eddie Bell of Christchurch is at a loss to explain the horrific run of luck he is enduring in the BNT V8 SuperTourer Series.

Not much has gone right for the Christchurch driver and the Independent Fisheries Falcon of late. A race and round winner in NZV8s, Rookie Of The Year in his debut V8 season and a former MINI Challenge Champion, Bell has been plagued by a succession of problems in the last twelve or so months.

At his home track, Powerbuilt Tools Raceway at Ruapuna in Christchurch recently, the nightmare continued. "We actually did half a day testing before the round and we learned a bit," says Eddie. "However in the second practice session I couldn't get within 3/4 of a second of the time I set in the first session. During qualifying, speed traces showed we were 12 to 13 kilometres down on straightline speed. The engine started to run like a tractor and the team were left with no other choice but to put the car away for the weekend. The motor was due for a freshen up after the round, now we are up for a new engine."

"Bad luck I can accept," continued Eddie, "but this just keeps on happening. Every time we say that it can't get any worse it does!"

To demonstrate the trend Bell reels off just some of the misfortune he has suffered. "At Taupo last year it was a gearbox and we missed the whole round. At Hampton Downs last month I was left with nowhere to go at the first corner and missed two races. We came back and raced to eighth from the back of the grid in the finale. We have now had nine V8 SuperTourer rounds and if you add it all up we have missed the equivalent of four rounds. The only one without incident was at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway last season when despite pitstop problems in both races we ended up fifth. They have all been problems outside our control. Unfortunately, I have to put my hand up for Pukekohe last season though - I did that myself!" Eddie was ruled out of that event after a spectacular practice crash.

"I have to say our team and sponsors have been rock solid throughout the horror run. They have been very loyal," says Bell.

However after experiencing plenty of success throughout his motor racing career there is only thing that will please the Cantabrian in the forseeable future - a good run and the opportunity to showcase his skills against the talented V8 SuperTourer field.

Eddie Bell and Bell Racing are grateful to be supported by Independent Fisheries, PSP Limited, Hortons Signs, Rosiez Collision Repairs, Hawkins Refrigeration, Avon City Ford and New Balance.

Photographs - 5508 Eddie signs an autograph for a young fan / 6648 -


The Independent Fisheries Falcon in full flight

ENDS

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