Townsend Bell Q&A

"I worked at a software company and a running shoe company until I was 21. I was going to college and I didn't want to get trapped on the rails of a normal life, working your way up the corporate ladder. I was a big racing fan - I used to sneak into Laguna Seca when I was a kid. I had done some karting and I knew I had some talent. In November 1996, when I was 21, I paid for a Skip Barber course at Laguna Seca, and by the end of the third day, I was pretty quick."



"It's pretty difficult getting an opportunity to run at the next level. The object is to win the race, but at the same time, you're on show for the decision-makers at the next level, so you want to make it emphatic. I didn't just want to be on the pole, I wanted to be on the pole with the biggest possible margin. I was cognizant of that all year long, and I guess some people complained that I was running up the score. But I can handle ruffling a few people's feathers to make my point."



"There are some people here with more years and experience than some of my relatives. I'm thrilled to be in the position I'm in. Certainly it's a good foundation for me to start my Champ Car career. The two races I ran last year helped me get rid of the butterflies I might have had this year. It was a shock being around guys I considered heroes, but that all goes away once you're in the car. I was able to get a feel for the tendencies and driving styles that different guys have. I still maintained my rookie status but I feel more prepared going in."



"There is a lot more to understand about the car, a lot more variables to work with, both in terms of engine and chassis. At the same time, there are more people working for you. Actually, the Indy Lights car was inherently more difficult to drive because it has a big heavy engine that sits higher in the chassis and it's not quite as compliant. There are some aerodynamic issues as well."



"It helps get a little attention here, because I realise that I'm a bit of a novelty. I do feel a connection with the fans who are maybe looking for somebody to pull for. I was proud to be the first American to win the Indy Lights title since Bryan Herta, and he did it a long time ago. I'm proud to represent America as a Champ Car driver, but what has been demonstrated over and over again is that the guys with the most talent are the fastest guys no matter where they are from."



"I think the teams need to do a better job of finding sponsorship and not relying so much on the drivers. But the driver needs to work hard too. A lot of team owners seem to have a sense of entitlement that since they have a successful organization, people should be lining up to bring them cash. You can cry about it, but until you go out and do something you don't accomplish anything. It shouldn't matter - this is about performance."