Townsend Bell to Make GRC Debut at X Games Munich

LOS ANGELES, June 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Townsend Bell, a seven-time Indianapolis 500 starter and current American Le Mans Series driver, will make his Global Rallycross debut at X Games Munich on June 30, 2013. Bell will drive the #7 Royal Purple Ford Fiesta for OMSE2.

Bell's major professional career began after he won the 2001 Indy Lights championship, launching him into CART, Formula 3000, and Formula One test drives. Since 2004, he has mostly focused on IndyCar, earning a fourth place finish in the 2009 Indianapolis 500 and 12 top-10 finishes in 36 career IndyCar starts.  In 2012, Bell won the 12 Hours of Sebring in his first sports car attempt.

"Global Rallycross is thrilled to have such a talented and diverse driver like Townsend be a part of our series and join the driver line up in Munich," said Colin Dyne, Global Rallycross CEO. "Townsend and I have a long and successful history together and I look forward to continuing that streak."

This season, the San Luis Obispo, California native has competed in the Indianapolis 500 for Panther Racing and is contesting the full American Le Mans Series schedule for West Alex Job Racing in a Ferrari 458 GTE. Alongside his commitments behind the wheel, he also handles duties for IndyCar broadcasts on NBC Sports as an expert analyst.

"I couldn't be more pumped to get my start in GRC at the X Games," Bell said. "I've been looking for a chance to compete in the series for some time now and the stars have finally aligned. To do it with Royal Purple's support is great.  They have been deeply rooted in a wide variety of motorsports for many years and I'm lucky to be one of their drivers.  It won't be easy as a rookie in Munich, but with OMSE, I know I will have a great team and equipment. I can't wait to get on the track."

OMSE2 is a satellite operation of OlsbergsMSE, which has won the past two Global Rallycross championships with driver Tanner Foust. At X Games Foz do Iguacu, the satellite operation scored a gold medal with Scott Speed in its debut.

"I will follow with big interest how Townsend does in his first ever event in a rallycross supercar," said Andreas Eriksson, OMSE2 Team Principal. "Townsend is a great guy, a professional driver for many years and on top of that, a TV host for motorsports.  Above that impressive list of achievements, I think his enthusiasm and passion for motorsports in general combined with the fact that he really wants to test this sport, will truly benefit Rallycross and the progression of the sport forward."

Bell is the latest in a long line of open-wheel drivers to make an attempt at racing in GRC. Ex-Formula 1 driver Scott Speed currently leads the points, while Nelson Piquet Jr. and Buddy Rice are other open-wheel veterans to have raced this year.

About Royal Purple
Royal Purple manufactures outperforming lubricants for numerous industrial and consumer needs. Join Royal Purple on Facebook at facebook.com/officialroyalpurple and Twitter @RoyalPurpleInc. For more information on Royal Purple or its products, contact Royal Purple via mail at One Royal Purple Lane, Porter, TX 77365; by calling 281-354-8600; or by visiting royalpurpleconsumer.com.

About GRC
Global Rallycross combines the best aspects of circuit racing, off-road racing and rally competition to deliver intense action in a variety of fan-friendly environments. Action sport stars including Travis Pastrana and Brian Deegan have described the sport as "motocross – with a roll cage."

More information
To find out more, including ticket sales, competitor information and registration details, visit www.global-rallycross.com Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GlobalRallyCross and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GlobalRallyX

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SOURCE Global Rallycross