One of the great Grand Prix riders of the 1940's, Ulster's Artie Bell dies at 67.
While riding his 1939 Norton, Artie Bell participated in several races in the immediate post-WWII period including the 1946 Cookstown 100 and winning both the 1947 500cc Ulster Grand Prix (where he set a new lap record of 94.79 mph) and the North West 200.
Following his North West 200 performance Norton race manager Joe Craig signed him up for the 1947 works team. The 1947 Isle of Man was the perfect example of being thrown in the deep end. Other than a visit, along with his wife, to the Isle of Man in 1935 as a spectator he had absolutely zero experience there. Bell went to the Island two weeks before official practice began and spent the time doing intensive research and note taking, he applied himself to learning the most demanding circuit in the world.
Regardless of his lack of experience, Bell led the 1947 Senior for three laps. When he pitted for fuel Craig ordered him to ease his pace. Artie obeyed his manager, allowing Harold Daniell to come through and win his second Senior. Bell’s second place and fastest lap in his very first Senior made the motorcycle world to take notice.
The next season he claimed first in the Senior TT race and third in the Junior. In 1949 he placed third and fourth as well as winning the North West 200 again. When Norton introduced it's Featherbed frame in 1950 it would contribute to his winning the 1950 Junior TT and second place in the Senior. Artie Bell would win the North West 200 for a third time.
Sadly, Bell's promising career came to an end following a crash at the 1950 Belgian Grand Prix. During the 500cc Class race at the extremely fast Spa-Francorchamps circuit, the leader Carlo Bandirola was being followed by Les Graham and Bell. When Bandirola braked early for La Source Hairpin, the AJS Porcupine ridden by Graham hit the rear wheel of Bandirola's bike. Graham was thrown clear and Bell hit both their bikes at high speed, slamming into a timing-post. Miraculously, Bell survived serious injury, but was unable to race again.
In 1996 the Irish Post Office issued a set of postage stamps of notable Irish motorcyclists that included Artie Bell.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
