Derek Bell
Derek Bell is a British racing driver who has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans five times, in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986 and 1987, making him the most successful British driver in the race to date. His first Le Mans was in 1970 in a works-entered Ferrari 512, with co-driver Jo Siffert, and his last in 1996 racing a McLaren F1 GTR. Bell achieved his highest ever speed at Le Mans at the 1971 Le Mans 24 hours April test day, reaching a calculated top speed of 240 mph on the Mulsanne Straight in the JW Gulf Porsche 917LH.
- years_of_participation
- 1970 to 1996
- famous_cars
- Porsche 956, Porsche 962, Mirage GR8, McLaren F1 GTR
Verified Timeline
In Their Own Story
The atmosphere of the 1970s and 80s defined Bell's era. In 1975, he and Jacky Ickx navigated the Gulf Mirage GR8 to victory, establishing a partnership that would reunite in 1981 with the Porsche 936. By 1982, the Rothmans livery adorned the Porsche 956, securing another triumph for Bell. The late 80s brought his most dominant period; teaming with Hans-Joachim Stuck and Al Holbert, he piloted the Rothmans Porsche 962 to consecutive wins in 1986 and 1987. Beyond the wins, Bell experienced the highs and lows of endurance racing firsthand. He took part in the filming of *Le Mans* (1970) starring Steve McQueen, and he and his family lived with the McQueen family during the filming, the two becoming friends. Bell had a lucky escape during the making of the film: the Ferrari 512 he was driving suddenly caught fire whilst getting into position for a take, and he managed to get out of the car just before it was engulfed in flames, suffering minor burns. Later, his proudest moment came not from a win, but a third-place finish with his son Justin in the Harrods-sponsored McLaren F1 GTR on Father's Day in 1995. Even in 2012, he returned to Le Mans after a 20-year hiatus to race a Porsche 962 in the Group C support race on 16 June 2012, proving his enduring connection to the track.
Did You Know?
- Bell's first Le Mans was in 1970 in a works-entered Ferrari 512, with co-driver Jo Siffert.
- He achieved his highest ever speed at Le Mans at the 1971 April test day, reaching a calculated top speed of 240 mph on the Mulsanne Straight in the JW Gulf Porsche 917LH.
- Bell's proudest moment was coming third with his son Justin racing the Harrods sponsored McLaren F1 GTR in the 1995 Le Mans on Fathers Day.
- He returned to Le Mans to race a Porsche 962 for the first time in 20 years in the Group C support race on July 6-8, 2012.
- Bell was the grand marshal at the 2021 24 hours of Le Mans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Derek Bell?
He is a British racing driver born in 1941 who holds the record for the most Le Mans victories by a Briton. His career at Sarthe lasted from 1970 to 1995, showcasing incredible longevity and success.
How many times did Derek Bell win Le Mans?
Bell secured five victories at the Circuit de la Sarthe, making him the top UK competitor in the event's history. These wins occurred across two decades, specifically in 1975, 1981, 1982, 1986, and 1987.
What cars did Derek Bell drive at Le Mans?
He piloted a wide variety of machinery, starting with a works Ferrari 512 in his debut and ending with a McLaren F1 GTR. His championship-winning rides often included Porsche 956s and 962s during the Group C era.
Why is Derek Bell considered important to Le Mans history?
His versatility and consistency over a quarter-century set him apart as one of the most respected figures in endurance racing. Peers like Hans-Joachim Stuck noted his likability, cementing his legacy beyond just statistics.
When did Derek Bell start and end his Le Mans career?
Bell made his debut in 1970 alongside Nino Vaccarella before making his final appearance in 1995. This twenty-five-year span highlights his enduring commitment to the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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