If you think you know Townsend Bell because you’ve seen him on TV, you don’t know Townsend Bell. Here in 2022 he’s known as one of the booth commentators for the NTT INDYCAR Series, but the crazy adventure he’s been on starting as just a kid in San Francisco is unlike any other. From the most elaborate “trade” we’ve ever heard to get into racing school, to fighting his way through the Indy Lights, F3000, and eventually IndyCar ranks, Townsend truly defines tenacity. We promise you, this is one to listen to because you likely have no idea just how hard he pushed to make his career a reality. Dinner was served at Townsend’s house in the Pacific Palisades, CA, with the song “No More Empty Glasses” by ATELLER taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
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John Morton would fit in our legends category. If you’ve seen “Ford vs. Ferrari” then you’ve heard of the legends of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles. Well, John Morton’s first job was with Carroll Shelby, and his CO-DRIVER was Ken Miles… so the guy’s been around. A class winner at Le Mans, a winner of millions of touring/GT races with Datsun and Nissan, John was the quintessential sportscar driver from the 1960’s through 1980’s, and he has no shortage of crazed stories to go with it. Lunch was served at the Metro Cafe in El Segundo, CA, with the song “Friend to the End” by Gabe Price taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
When it comes to Touring Car legends, there is no bigger name than Andy Priaulx. Growing up in the small island of Guernsey, an island between the England and France, Andy went through an insane career and financing path to go through the junior ranks and eventually land a ride in a factory BMW within the now-defunct World Touring Car Championship. The WTC became Andy’s staple, winning four World Titles, as well as driving in DTM and Ford’s renowned GTE program. He’s also our first MBE for his charitable efforts in the UK. Dinner was served at Ronin Sushi in Daytona Beach, FL, with the song “Blanket” by Van Stee taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Continuing our run of sportscar staples, Graham Goodwin joins us a journalist/commentator who’s become the standard. Beginning his career as a Press Officer for the British government, Graham is an example of someone who grew to pursue his passion later in life, ultimately becoming the main guy dailysportscar.com, one of the industry leading sites for sportscar news, as well as a commentator and podcast host. Recognized by DwR who just fundamentally “gets it,” Graham is phenomenal at explain his own career and the state of he sport. Lunch was served at the Peach Valley Cafe in Ormond Beach, FL, with the song “Bring it Back” by Notize taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
Oliver Jarvis is yet another staple of the global sportscar scene. Born in the UK, Oliver was a standout in junior formula racing, winning the Autosport Young Driver Award and eventually the hyper prestigious Macau Grand Prix in Formula 3. Finding a career in sportscars, Oliver’s biggest successes came as an Audi factory driver, where stints in LMP1, DTM and beyond led to wins at Le Mans and no shortage of other accolades. Note: At the time of recording he was with Meyer Shank Racing and Acura, however he has since moved on from the program. Dinner was served at Bland Mediterranean Grill in Ormond Beach, FL, with the song “Hahaha” by Hey Judy taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.
René Rast is largely considered one of the greatest sportscar drivers of the modern era. Hailing from Germany, René grew up in the traditional European junior ranks before finding his way into the famed Porsche Supercup, eventually launching him on a career path that would lead to a factory ride with Audi Sport, and with wins at Daytona, Spa, Nurburgring, and most notably THREE DTM CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FOUR YEARS. Note: At the time of recording he was with Audi, however he has since been named to BMW’s factory squad as well as McLaren in Formula E. Lunch was served at Dancing Avocado in Daytona Beach, FL, with the song “Crossbow” by OK Otter taking us out. Thanks again to Continental Tire and Acura for making it all happen.