Legends of Motorsport Program Introduced

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.-Racing legend and five-time LeMans winner Derek Bell will inaugerate the Speedvision World Challenge's Legends of Motorsport program at Mosport Park, May 21-23. Bell, driving the No. 30 Speedvision Legends BMW M Coupe, will compete in five Speedvision GT Championship races as part of the network's Legends of Motorsport program, showcasing world class drivers competing and providing in-car commentary during Speedvision World Challenge Championships events.

"Our goal is to present the Speedvision GT and Touring Car Championships in the most exciting and fan-friendly format both at the track and through our television broadcasts," said Roger Werner Jr., Speedvision Network President and CEO. "The Legends of Motorsport program will make viewers part of the action as they experience the racing through the eyes of legendary drivers like Derek Bell."

In-car cameras and state-of-the-art audio will allow Bell to bring the on-track action into the viewers' living room as he provides real-time analysis and insight from inside the car as the race unfolds. Bell's unique in-car perspective will be part of Speedvision's innovative World Challenge broadcast coverage, which will also feature as many as 12 additional in-car camera per race weekend.

Bell will race fender-to-fender against North America's top road racing drivers in the Speedvision GT Championship. Campaigning a new BMW M Coupe prepared by Speedvision GT driver Kermit Upton III's Mountain Auto Sports Racing, Bell will practice, qualify and race for podium honors during each race weekend, but will not be eligible for drivers' points or purse.

"This is going to be a very unique experience, quite different from anything I have done before," said Bell. "I hope to be able to focus commentary on overtaking maneuvers, assessing other drivers on the track and relay to the television viewers what is going on in my head as I compete in the race."

In adddition to Mosport Park, Bell is also scheduled to drive at Lime Rock (May 29-31), Vancouver (Sept. 4-5), Laguna Seca (Oct. 9-10) and one additional event.

"We are excited to have a driver of Derek Bell's caliber in the series," said Mitch Wright, Speedvision World Challenge Championships General Manager. "Competing against one of the best sports car racers in the world will provide a great test for our drivers and highlight the level of talent and competitiveness in the Speedvision World Challenge Championships. Derek's expertise as an analysts will also help race fans experience the series in a truly unique way."

Source: SCCA/SCCA Pro Racing/USRRC