We won’t teach you anything by telling you that California, and more precisely the Los Angeles area, is currently going through a complicated period with violent fires which are still ongoing. Between charred vegetation, homes ravaged by flames and people who lost their lives, the region is paying a very heavy price in an area that is accustomed to fires.
Townsend Bell, driver of the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3, was impacted by these fires because driver Vasser Sullivan was forced to leave his home located in the Pacific Palisades area. After three years of absence, the American driver returns to the 24 Hours of Daytona. In addition to driving the Lexus in the GTD PRO class, Townsend Bell will appear during the event on NBC television.
Pilot Vasser Sullivan, a friend of Jimmy Vasser, arrived at Daytona with a suitcase, one of the only possessions he was able to take into his home, as he and his wife evacuated due to the approaching fires of his neighborhood.
“It is certainly the most devastating scene I have witnessed in person and, in a strange way, it reminds me of the 60 seconds after the accident [mortel] by Dan Wheldon in Vegas, Townsend Bell said. “It’s funny how that triggers that memory.” The situation is totally different, but the disbelief is total. Just like I got out of the car after the accident [mortel de Wheldon] and went back to my neighborhood after the fire, I said to myself, “There’s no way this could have happened.” » »
Townsend Bell said he was on the phone discussing his role as NBC’s consultant for the IndyCar season when his wife came in to tell him the fire was getting closer to their home and they needed to leave. locations as quickly as possible.
The couple evacuated to the parents of the pilot’s wife. A few days later, Bell returned home to grab his helmet and some belongings after renting a scooter in advance given the road closures.
-“I live in a neighborhood that burned, but when I turned the corner, the house I live in was still standing and the fireball was up the hill, going down the canyon” , explained Bell, winner of the GTD class at the Rolex 24 in 2014. I went inside and called my wife and said, “I need to know what three things you need most right now. »
In about ten minutes, Bell packed three suitcases for the next three weeks. His house in Pacific Palisades was one of a few dozen houses still standing in the neighborhood. On the other hand, his two Malibu homes were reduced to ashes.
“It’s a surreal experience,” continues Bell, who estimates it will be six to 12 months before he and his wife can move back into their home.
At Daytona, Townsend Bell shares the seat of the No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 with Aaron Telitz and Ben Barnicoat.
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