Podcast: Derek Bell, Centenary Stories

Five-time Le Mans champion and three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Daytona Derek Bell joins Rob Widdows for the latest in our special podcast series, celebrating 100 years of Motor Sport magazine.

A former farm hand from Pagham who grew up driving tractors and racing down narrow country lanes, Bell climbed quickly through the ranks to become one of sportscar’s greatest icons. He reflects on his greatest performances — from his win on debut at Goodwood to a third-place finish at Le Mans alongside his son, Justin — and reveals how he missed out on an F1 drive with Ferrari.

The Briton would race alongside and against many legendary figures, but vividly remembers the tragic passing of Jim Clark — whom he had out-qualified the day before his horrific accident — and reveals how the loss of his racing hero proved to be a mental setback.

Bell, who earned a reputation for his ability to bring a car home no matter its condition, speaks more of racing at Le Mans and recalls some of his favourite memories with team-mates Jacky Ickx, Pedro Rodriguez and Stefan Bellof. He also reveals how racing at Daytona, often provided a greater challenge than the French classic.

Listen now on your regular podcast service, or click above to begin playback. Scroll down for more episodes in the series.