2010 NASCAR K&N PRO SERIES EAST SCHEDULE Sat., March 27: Greenville Pickens Speedway (.5-Mile), Greenville, S.C. Sat., April 3: South Boston Speedway (.4-Mile), South Boston, Va. Sun., May 23: Iowa Speedway (.875-Mile), Newton, Iowa Sun., June 6: Martinsville Speedway (.526-Mile), Martinsville, Va. Fri., June 25: New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-Mile), Loudon, N.H. Sat., July 3: Lime Rock Park (1.53-Mile Road Course), Salisbury, Conn. Fri., July 30: Lee USA Speedway (.375-Mile), Lee, N.H. Sat., Aug. 28: Gresham Motorsports Park (.500-Mile), Jefferson, Ga. Fri., Sept. 17: New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-Mile), Loudon, N.H. Fri., Sept. 24: Dover International Speedway (1-Mile), Dover, Del. SEE YOU AT THE TRACK!! |
Written By: Roger Diez Nevada Appeal February 10, 2010 In her second year of racing with NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, 19-year-old Carson High graduate Mackena Bell was chosen to be one of four drivers — and the only female — to race in the K&N Pro Series East for the 2010 season. Bell's participation in the series, which has served as the proving grounds for racers such as Joey Logano and Martin Truex Jr., was officially announced at Daytona on Tuesday, when she participated in the Women in the Winners Circle activities. Bell will be driving a 600-horsepower Chevrolet stock car in 10 races this season, at tracks that include Dover, Loudon, Martinsville, Iowa, South Boston and Lime Rock. “I'm so excited about running at Dover,” she enthused. “It will be something I'll be able to tell my grandkids someday.” She is a bit apprehensive about the road course at Lime Rock, never having driven a road course. “I'll have to check it out on a video game just so I know which way to turn,” she said, referring to the method many young drivers use to learn new tracks. Bell has to pinch herself every day to make sure she's not dreaming. But in reality, Bell is living her dream of becoming a professional racing driver. “When I walk out of the (Revolution Racing) shop, I'm just amazed that I am where I am, it seems surreal,” said Bell. “When I started racing in karts with my sister Kellcy eight years ago, it was just to have fun with the family and keep me out of trouble,” she said. “I had no idea it would take me this far. It hasn't really hit me yet.” NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program has taken a giant step forward this year under the leadership of Max Siegel, former president of global operations at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. The program has secured sponsorship from corporations such as Freightliner, Sprint, Sunoco, Impact, Racing Electronics, and Wix Filters to help finance operations. Instead of giving participants essentially a scholarship to a race team as it has in the past, Revolution Racing is now the only organization fielding cars for the female and minority drivers that make up D4D. Bell will be racing under the tutelage of Andy Santerre, a veteran of the K&N Pro Series who has stepped out of the driver's seat to become a crew chief and mentor for the D4D racers. Santerre recently masterminded the outstanding performance of Sergio Pena at the Toyota All-Star Shootout in Irwindale, Calif., where the youngster raced Cup driver Logano for the victory. Bell was there to cheer Pena on. “I was honored to be at Irwindale as part of the D4D program, and to see Sergio do so well,” she said. Her first race in the K&N Pro Series East will be on March 27, but she will be doing some testing prior to that. With only 10 races on the schedule, she will have a number of idle weekends this season. “I don't know what I'll be doing on my off weekends, but tell people I'll be available for late model rides if they need me,” she joked. Bell has been able to spend time with other Carson City racers who are now living back east. She has seen Shane Kline, and has been able to have dinner with Darrell Krentz and his wife. She said seeing locals has helped with the homesickness. “I've never lived outside my parents' house before, let alone 3,000 miles away,” she said. “But we have cell phones and Skype, and we stay in touch a lot. I really hate that I can't go to my sister Kellcy's basketball games. I'm her biggest fan.” Bell said that her parents are planning to travel to her races this season. “My main goal is to be able to pay them back for all they've done for me,” she said. “Running a family race team was a huge expense, and it taught me to have respect for my equipment. I hope that this opportunity I have will reassure my parents that they didn't waste all the time and money they put into my racing.” Fans will be able to see Mackena on the eight-episode BET reality series “Changing Lanes,” scheduled to air this summer. To follow Mackena's racing season, go to d4d.tv and continue to visit this website! |
BIG NEWS SET FOR FEBRUARY 9th! CONTINUE TO CHECK THIS WEBSITE FOR ALL THE 2010 DETAILS! |
SIRIUS XM Radio To Broadcast NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2009) – NASCAR announced that the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be broadcast live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio on Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30. The premier postseason event at the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) attracts the top talent across North American for what drivers have dubbed the “Daytona 500 of short-track racing.” The seventh running of the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown will be highlighted by the 225-lap Camping World Series all-star race. Among those scheduled to compete will include two-time race winner Matt Kobyluck, reigning NASCAR Camping World Series champions Ryan Truex (East) and Jason Bowles (West) and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano. The 2010 NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown schedule also includes a 100-lap Whelen All-American Series Super Late Model race on Friday, and a 75-lap Late Model race on Saturday. SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, available nationwide on SIRIUS channel 128 and on XM channel 128 with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package, will broadcast the action beginning at 7 p.m. PT on Friday and Saturday. Calling the action live from Irwindale will be SIRIUS NASCAR Radio host and short-track aficionado Pat Patterson, and two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion and current NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Brendan Gaughan. In addition, Patterson will host live SIRIUS NASCAR Radio shows from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday from NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown fan appreciation events in the Los Angeles area. On Wednesday, the show will air from Clubhouse 66 in Glendora, Calif. Featured drivers slated to attend include Truex and Bowles, as well as Drive For Diversity driver Mackena Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver Matt DiBenedetto, and former track champion Rip Michels. Thursday, Longo Toyota in El Monte, Calif., will host the fan gathering, which is scheduled to include Kobyluck, two-time NASCAR Camping World Series West champion Eric Holmes, 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West Sunoco Rookie of the Year Paulie Harraka, and 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Joey Logano. There will be autograph signings and ticket giveaways, in addition to Patterson’s live broadcast. The events will run from 6-9 p.m. each night. Patterson, also known as “The Racing Guy,” has been broadcasting racing for more than 25 years and brings a wealth of short-track knowledge to the radio booth. In addition to calling the live race, Patterson will host his regular SIRIUS NASCAR Radio show, The Front Stretch, live from the track on Saturday morning from 6-10 a.m. Last year, SIRIUS NASCAR Radio broadcast the event for the first time and listeners were able to follow all the action including the wild, last-lap shootout between Logano and Peyton Sellers that left Kobyluck standing tall in Victory Lane. SIRIUS XM is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of NASCAR, broadcasting every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race live on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128, the only radio channel dedicated to NASCAR 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. - NASCAR Press Release |
Determined and focused on her 2010 season, Mackena Bell has packed her racing bag and moved to Huntersville, North Carolina. As the hauler left the west coast on Thursday, Mackena said she realized that the move would not be easy, but when you are chasing a dream, you do whatever it takes. "It is something I have always known I would need to do if I was going to surround myself with the best of the best," Bell said. The nineteen year old, Carson City, Nevada native has dedicated the past 7-years of her life to racing, whether it be on dirt or asphalt. Achieving great success, she has worked hard to move herself up the ranks in the racing world and is more determined than ever to continue her streak in 2010. "This is the perfect time for woman in motorsports. So many doors are beginning to open for us and I want to be at the threshold, ready to walk through each of them when the opportunity presents itself." As so many of us have witnessed, Mackena brings not only the ability and focus, but the personality and confidence that every young racecar driver must have to succeed in the world of NASCAR. We wish her nothing but great success and will be cheering her on from the west coast as she continues to BELIEVE and live her dream! You may show your support by posting a comment in Mackena's GUESTBOOK and returning to this website to stay informed of Mackena's latest announcements in the weeks to come. Happy New Year and we'll see YOU at the track! |
After weeks of trying to confirm a date for the 2nd Annual Mackena Bell Motorsports coat and toy drive, our luck has run out. With the recent snows and unsafe parking lot areas, we have been unable to confirm a date during the month of December. With the clock ticking and the days being crossed off the calendar, Mackena will be heading east to pursue her racing career in a few short weeks. Many thanks to all of you who have called, sent emails or contacted us through Facebook. Your continued support is crucial for this event to be successful and based on last years incredible turn-out we intend to continue moving forward and finding a date that fits everyone's calendar. We will keep you posted through email, website and facebook posts, so please continue to check this website for the latest information. Until then, we at Mackena Bell Motorsports wish all of you a very happy holiday and hope to see you at the track in 2010! |
RELEASED 10/26/09 Matt White Matt White Media Relations  Returning from a 6-day trip where she participated at Concord Motor Sports Park in Concord, North Carolina in a Legends car and at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Virginia in a NASCAR Whelen All-American Series late model and NASCAR Camping World Series East car, Bell had two words to describe the experience, "Absolutely incredible!" The nineteen-year-old, Carson City native, drove for the diversity program in the AC Delco Super Late Model Division at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, California this season, finished 8th in the points standings, had 10 consecutive top 10's and made history by becoming the first female in the series to post a top 3 finish. "This program is amazing, a class act and having the opportunity to participate at the Combine reminds me of why I love the sport of racing like I do," Bell said. With three days of on-track time, Bell said it curbed her current racing withdrawals and got her heart pounding about the possible opportunities that 2010 may bring her. "This is the worst time of the year for me. Saturday is race day and although I can watch racing on television, it just isn't the same thing. I need to be behind the wheel, I need to feel the adrenaline, I need to race!" In an attempt to confirm several media reports which have been printed within the last few days, Bell refused to comment about the final outcome of the Combine but said she is optimistic about the 2010 season. "All I will say is that the 2010 class has not been named. I am headed back to North Carolina on November 3rd for more testing and evaluation, focused on learning as much as possible and landing a spot in the Camping World Series East program with Revolution Racing. Beyond that, I can't discuss the outcome of the testing and evaluation process until after the show airs on the BET network." In an attempt to get one final question clarified by Bell, she laughed at me and said, "Really, I have no further comments, so that's a wrap!" And so it was. For more information regarding the Drive for Diversity program, visit d4d.tv. |
 CARSON CITY, NV ~ Nineteen-year-old, Mackena Bell made good on her promise Friday afternoon, when she donated $500.00 of her race earnings to the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center in Carson City, NV. In August, Bell committed to donating a portion of her winnings in the memory of her Great Grandpa, Leon Mayfield, who passed away from lung cancer in early April. During the August 15th race at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., the NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver says she is convinced that her Great Grandfather was riding beside her as she posted the first podium finish of her Super Late Model career and made history at the track as the only female in the AC Delco Super Late Model division to do so. "I would not be where I am today in my racing career if it was not for the continued support of others," said Bell. "My Great Grandpa, together with my family and community have been so supportive and this donation was an opportunity for me to give back and keep my "Papa's" memory alive." The Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center serves as an informational hub where patients and their loved ones can learn about treatment options, clinical trials and other programs. Mackena's donation will be used to help support the cancer resource center which is a free service to all patients and their families who are dealing with any form of cancer. Bell says that whether it is through a donation like this one or in collecting coats for those in need as she and her sister, Kellcy did last December, she will continue to give back to her community year after year. "It is important for me and my family to give back and as long as we are able to do so, we will." With her 2009 season in the history books, Bell will be heading to the East coast next week where she will participate in the annual Drive for Diversity Testing and Evaluation Combine presented by Sunoco. Bell is hopeful that she will be one of 10 drivers selected to compete with Revolution Racing as part of the Drive for Diversity program in 2010. The 909 Group, which took over the operations of the program, will own and operate ten racing teams and field the teams under the newly formed Revolution Racing banner. Four of the teams will compete with the NASCAR Camping World Series and the remaining six teams will compete on the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. The combine will take place from October 16-20 and the extensive training program will include on track assessment in all areas of driving skills, communications between driver and crew, media relations and training both on and off the track. Those drivers selected to participate in 2010 will relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina where the program will be based. If you are interested in donating to a cancer resource center, learn more at www.carsontahoe.com and follow the cancer services link(s). |
Mackena Bell was featured on KOLO News Channel 8, Tuesday evening September 29th. Below is the link to view the story. www.kolotv.com/sports - and click on HOT TOPICS. |
End of season just means switching gears! By Michelle Langley, The 909 Group - September 24, 2009 Mackena Bell just wrapped up her rookie season with the Drive for Diversity program, competing in the Super Late Model division at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale (Calif.) but she’s not taking any breaks. Bell jumped right into taking online courses towards her Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing, which she hopes will help further her career in racing. “I’m focused on my racing career right now and I know a degree in business marketing will only help me in the long run,” said Bell, who had initially planned to pursue a degree in nursing. “One day I may still go after my nursing career, but right now I am committed to racing.” Bell’s decision to take online classes wasn’t easy – she knows it can be difficult to teach yourself something you don’t already know – but she also knows that her racing career could take her anywhere at any time. “I wanted to be as flexible as I could be,” she said. “An opportunity may present itself and I want to be able to pack up and go, but still be able to continue my education.” Bell is hoping that opportunity will be with the Drive for Diversity program again in 2010. Under the new program structure, should she be selected, Bell will have to relocate to Charlotte, N.C. She hopes to continue competing with the program, under the Revolution Racing banner, after a successful rookie season in the program at Toyota Speedway with Position One Motorsports. Bell struggled slightly adjusting to her new team at the start of the season, but quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She finished the season eighth in the Super Late Model division at Toyota Speedway with one top five and a string of 10 consecutive top-10 finishes and made history has the first female at Toyota Speedway to earn a podium finish with her third-place finish on August 15. “It was hard at first, getting to know the team and how a professional program was run,” she said. “I had been running for my family-run team for so long, it was an adjustment to learn the expectations of a professional team.” Bell knows that working for a professional team, away from her family was the best next-step for her career. She was able to learn the ins and outs of the business, from signing contracts to marketing and media. “It really helped me mature as a person, it helped me grow up a little bit to be away from home,” said Bell. “My parents got me to this point with all of the time, money and tears they put into my racing, so it was hard to say ‘okay, you go watch from the stands now,’ but I know ultimately this was the next step for me and it kept my dream alive.” Bell credits the Drive for Diversity initiative for helping keep her in a race car for the 2009 season. “Without the opportunity that Drive for Diversity gave me, I’m not sure that I would have been in a car this season,” she said. “With the economy the way it is and my advancing to a higher level, we just weren’t sure if we’d be able to make it work. This really was the chance of a lifetime for me.” Bell will know if her opportunity with Drive for Diversity will continue for next season following the annual Drive for Diversity Testing & Evaluation Combine presented by Sunoco, which will be held Oct. 16-20 in Charlotte, N.C. and at Motor Mile Speedway in Radford, Va. |
MACKENA BELL ENDS ROOKIE SEASON IN THE RECORD BOOKS AND CRACKS TOP 20 IN CALIFORNIA STATE POINT STANDINGS CARSON CITY, NV~ At the beginning of the 2009 race season, Mackena Bell learned that she would be representing NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale in Southern, California. As the track newcomer joined the Position One Motorsports team out of Baldwin Park, California, she focused on a strong freshman season in the AC Delco Super Late Model series and was determined to make her way as the only female driver in the field. Traveling from her hometown of Carson City, Nevada to participate in the 21scheduled events, Bell quickly became a track favorite and was labeled the "Fastest female at TOYOTA Speedway". As the season began to play out, Bell found success at the infamous speedway and during the final points event of the season found herself reflecting on a summer of personal achievements. Spending the entire season undeterred by an occasional unfortunate circumstance and always able to make the best out of any situation, her final run of the season was no different. Taking the green flag start, she hustled her # 30 Position One Motorsports entry from the seventeenth qualifying spot to a quick fifteenth spot by lap # 7. As the 31-car field made it's way around the track, Bell remained in the fifteenth spot where it looked as though she would finish, until a 4-car pile up took place on the final lap of the race. Narrowly missing the incident on the front straight, when the dust and debris settled, Bell took the restart flag and would go on to finish in the eleventh spot breaking her string of ten consecutive Top 10's. As she entered her last race of the 09' season, Bell and the # 39 of Ryan Partridge began an immediate battle. By lap # 12 things got dicey and Bell found herself caught in a 3-way fight between her, the #20 Derek Thorn and # 90 Justin Johnson. On the back straight Thorn checked up and Johnson ran into the back of Bell causing her to get sideways at nearly 100 mph. Using her dirt driving talent, Bell recovered the loose racecar and continued without hesitation. Johnson suffered damage as a result and had to retire, while Bell continued her battle for twelfth alongside Partridge and # 25 Scott Dodd. On lap # 29 Bell radioed to her crew that her brakes were getting progressively worse. As the laps counted down, Bell made the decision to decrease her speed in order to maneuver around the racetrack safely and would eventually fall back to thirteenth where she would finish the race under red flag conditions. Although the results of the final race weekend were not what the young Drive for Diversity driver was looking for, Bell says she couldn't be happier with her accomplishments as a rookie at TOYOTA Speedway. “I came into the season wanting to learn as much as I could, progress each weekend and turn some heads. I did that. I was in contention for the rookie of the year award and missed that honor by only 96 points behind an experienced Super Late Model driver who had run a few races at TOYOTA Speedway last season. I'm proud of that. I made history at TOYOTA Speedway, becoming the only female in the Super Late Model division to achieve a podium, 3rd place finish. I'm honored to have my name in their history books. I had the opportunity to race with and learn from some of the most successful drivers on the West coast while representing woman in this sport. I couldn't have asked for more." The nineteen-year old finished eighth in the point standings after 1 top-five, 10 top 10's and 19 top 15's and recently cracked the Top 20 driver's roster in the NASCAR Official State Standings for California. Bell says she is optimistic as to what 2010 holds for her racing career and stated, "If you believe in yourself, anything is possible." "It has been my honor to represent NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, Position One Motorsports, NGK Spark Plugs, Eibach Springs and Molecule this season," Bell said. "I have had the opportunity to attend several prestigious events and speak before our armed forces. I believe that no matter what your dream is in life, you have to be the one to put your dream in to motion." Bell will continue to do just that as she heads East in October for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity Combine. Drive for Diversity is the industry's leading development program for minority and female drivers and crew members. Since its inception in 2004, thirty-one drivers have competed under the D4D banner winning 28 races. The event will take place October 16th through 20th in Charlotte, NC and Radford, VA. Check out www.drivefordiversity.com for more details. |
Currently leading the points chase for the rookie of the year title and coming off her most successful weekend at TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale with a podium finish, Mackena Bell arrived to find temperatures scorching near the 108 degree mark Saturday afternoon, for Race #18 & #19 of the AC Delco Super Late Model series. As an area wildfire burned out of control, smoke billowed from the Southern California mountain tops, filling the air with hot, humid conditions. Racers did their best to stay hydrated before hitting the track for the first round of practice laps where Bell would find herself within the top 5 and later at the top of the board after round #2. Entering the track for qualifying in the # 30 Position One Motorsports machine, Bell immediately wrestled with a tight race car and did her best to hit her marks and keep the car out of the wall. To no surprise, Bell was discouraged with her 10th place position in a field of 24 cars but stayed optimistic about her day. Taking the green in Race # 1, she hammered her way forward at the start, but struggled with no forward bite and complained that the motor was flat and the water temperature rising. As the # 6 of Dave Beat pressured Bell for her tenth place position, Bell was able to fend off his challenge until lap # 20 when Beat finally managed to knock Bell off the board. Not about to give up, she continued to fight back and eventually regained the position by making her way around the # 5 of Travis Thirkettle. As the start/finish line approached, Bell would solidify her ninth consecutive Top 10 of the season. As Race # 2 made its way into Turn 4, Bell was up on the wheel and focused on gaining some ground in the early laps of the 40 lap event. Beginning her attack at the flag stand, Bell found herself three-wide into Turn 1 and quickly realized that the car was still lacking horsepower as she watched the field pull away from her. Falling seven car-lengths from the ninth position in a race that saw little change, she could see a challenge mounting in her rear-view mirror from the # 43 of Dennis Furden who had not competed in the first go-around. Within a lap, Furden was just a car-length behind her. Staying focused, Bell never gave up and by lap # 27 had managed to put Furden four car-lengths back continuing to push the racecar, narrowing the gap between her and the front of the field. Determined until the checkered, she would post her tenth consecutive Top 10 of the evening and add yet another weekend of dual Top 10's to her racing resume. "It was unbelievably hot," said Bell. "We were sitting at the top of the board during the practice sessions and I was certain that another Top 5 was within our reach. But during qualifying we missed it and then the car was loose and the motor was flat and we never got it back where we needed it to be. My crew never gave up, they wrenched on the car in the horrible heat and did what they could. I can't ask for anything more. It's simple.... it's racing! One weekend you are on top of the world and the next, well that's the weekend that keeps you coming back for more. We'll be back in two weeks and give that Top 5 another shot." Bell, who is sponsored by NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, Position One Motorsports, NGK Spark Plugs, Art of Fast.com, Eibach Springs and Molecule currently sits 8th in the AC Delco Super Late Model point standings and is the only female in the top 32 drivers. She will return for the final points race of the season on Saturday, September 12th. The "Back to School Night" event will provide free admission to all teachers and students and feature the last running of the Twin 40's in this series. Check out all the race details at: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com |
 PRESS RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2009 Los Angeles, CA ~ Nineteen year old, Mackena Bell had no idea when she took a seat on a recent flight to Daytona International Speedway, that she was sitting next to Commanding General, William D. Frink., Jr. of the 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and that an honorable invitation was in her future. Early last week, General Frink Jr., invited Bell to speak this afternoon to Army Reserve Soldiers at an observance of Women's Equality Day at the Holderman Army Reserve Center in Los Angeles, California. Bell addressed Soldiers of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command on her achievements as a successful female racecar driver and went into detail as to what Women's Equality Day represents to her. "I feel honored to have been invited to such a monumental day and to have the opportunity to speak to our military," Bell said. "I have always felt that I could succeed in whatever I wanted to do in this world. For me, today means that I can pursue any dream I set my mind to and for that, I thank the women who have fought for our equality and the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution." The event also recognized women who contributed to the struggle for women’s right to vote and equal rights in America, as well as the accomplishments of women who served in the U.S. military. “Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated since 1971, following the passage of legislation by Congress,” said Sgt. Maj. Patricia Burns, 311th ESC’s equal opportunity advisor. “This year’s theme is: Commemoration of Women Being Granted Universal Suffrage in the United States." As Bell concluded her speech, she waived a checkered flag to those in attendance and praised Congress Women Jeanette Rankin and Bella Abzug, Supreme Court Justices, Sandra Day O'Connor and Sonya Sotomayor, the doctors, lawyers, teachers and homemakers of the world as well as the thousands of women serving in our armed forces. While inviting the crowd to TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday evening, August 29th, Bell posed for photo's, signed autograph cards and attended to the media beside her #30 NASCAR Drive for Diversity, Position One Motorsports Chevrolet. For further details regarding Women's Equality Day, visit: www.womenshistory.about.com. For information regarding TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale, visit: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com |
PRESS RELEASE U.S. Army Reserve 311th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) 1250 Federal Ave. Los Angeles, Calif. 90025 From the Public Affairs Office (310) 235-4217 belinda.may@usar.army.mil Mackena Bell to Speak at Army Reserve Observance of Women’s Equality Day WEST LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Mackena Bell, known as the “NASCAR Prom Queen” by some, will speak to Army Reserve Soldiers at an observance of Women’s Equality Day, Wednesday, August 26 at the Holderman Army Reserve Center, 1250 Federal Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will include a luncheon. Bell, 19, began racing in 2002 at the Thunder Bowl Speedway in Carson City, Nev., where her racing skills earned her the track Championship and rookie of the year title. She is the only female to win a Legends championship at Champion Speedway in Carson City, as well as being the youngest driver to win a title there. Bell was selected to race in the 2009 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series schedule for Position One Motorsports at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Calif., as part of the Drive for Diversity program this season. Bell will address Soldiers of the 311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command on her achievements as a successful racecar driver. The event also recognizes women who contributed to the struggle for women’s right to vote and equal rights in America, as well as the accomplishments of women who served in the U.S. military. “Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated since 1971, following the passage of legislation by Congress,” said Sgt. Maj. Patricia Burns, 311th ESC’s equal opportunity advisor. “This year’s theme is: Commemoration of Women Being Granted Universal Suffrage in the United States." |
Hi Everyone! If you missed my LIVE interview on SIRIUS radio's "The Morning Drive", don't worry, I've got your back. Here is the link... and yes, I know I said "ABSOLUTELY" waaay too many times. I'll work on that:) Only 2 races left this season, so jump in the car and make your way to TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale. I would love to see YOU there! ~MACKENA~ https://rcpt.yousendit.com/728096275/e9880575362b164e092efd8f08a74c33 |
LIVE interview TOMORROW morning (8/19) at 6:00am PST ~ Sirius Radio Channel 128! RISE & SHINE West coast fans and check out my newly uploaded photo's! |
 CARSON CITY, NV ~ Rookie Mackena Bell made history at TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale Saturday evening with her ground breaking podium finish. The third place result is the highest finish for a woman driver in a Super Late Model feature race at the infamous 1/2 mile speedway. The nineteen-year old, NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver wore some emotion on her sleeve Saturday as back in April, Bell lost her beloved great-grandfather to lung cancer. This weekend would have been his 80th birthday and she was dedicating the weekends pair of races to his memory and will donate her winnings to the Carson Tahoe Cancer Resource Center in his honor. On the hood of the #30 Position One Motorsports machine it read, "In Loving Memory of my Papa, Leon Mayfield. As you stroll through heaven on your 80th birthday, I hope you'll race with me here on earth." Sitting in the pole position for Race #1, Bell took the green flag start next to her teammate Luis Martinez, Jr. Struggling with no forward bite, she battled with the #6 Dave Beat and then with the #95 of Bear Rzesnowiecky. Racing side-by-side for several laps, Bell struggled to stay within the Top 5 and would fall to 6th at the start/finish line. This would be Bell's seventh consecutive Top 10 finish of the season. Veteran driver and 2007 track Champion, Rip Michels said, "It's been great to watch Mackena progress and get better every week. She definitely gets up on the wheel and with Stevie Boldorff as her crew chief, she will be a contender for wins." As Race #2 rolled to a start, the Carson City native took the green flag with her foot on the floor board. On Lap #3 Bell was sitting sixth but in just two laps was passing her teammate for the fifth place position and focused on holding off the #95 of Bear Rzesnowiecky who was on her bumper. As the battle between Bell and Rzesnowiecky intensified, Rzesnowiecky got by Bell. Driving a smart and calculated race, Bell shot to the low line on Lap #25, regaining the Top 5 position on Rzesnowiecky and set her focus forward to the #01 of Danny Gay. As a three-way battle incurred, Bell and Gay used the entire track for eleven intense laps. Never letting up, she made her way around Gay for fourth where it looked like she would settle. But with sheer determination she continued to propel forward and found herself on the bumper of Beat with one lap to go. In dramatic fashion, she had the crowd on their feet as she made a hard charge, dove to the bottom of Turn #4 and came to the white flag, clearing Beat in Turn 1. Pulling away, Bell would land her first Top 3 finish behind 2008 track Champion and current points leader #71 Nick Joanides and TOYOTA Speedway veteran and 2007 track Champion, #12 Rip Michels. "Mackena has shown amazing progress in such a short time," said Nick Joanides. "To score a Top 3 finish as a rookie at Irwindale among a field of multi-time champions is incredible. I was very impressed with her ability to race hard and keep it clean in both of the evenings races." Bell has jumped to 8th in the AC Delco 2009 Season Points Standings, only 26 points from 7th. With just two race dates remaining this season, Bell will return to TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday, August 29th for Law Enforcement Appreciation Night. "I can't put into words how special this night was!" said an excited Bell. "First a Top 3 in memory of my Papa and then to finish behind Rip and Nick is just awesome. My crew worked so hard for this result and the long hours and dedication finally, finally paid off. Congratulations to my teammate, Luis Martinez, Jr. on his first Super Late Model win and thank you to my team owner, Luis Martinez for allowing me to honor my Papa on his race car. I'm excited for the remaining races and looking forward to what 2010 holds for me." |
 CARSON CITY, NV ~ Nineteen-year old, Super Late Model Division rookie, Mackena Bell returned to the picturesque Toyota Speedway at Irwindale as the sun set Saturday evening determined to continue her streak of Top 10 finishes. Currently holding firm in the 10th place points position, the only female in the AC Delco series has four Top 10 finishes in the last two race dates and has continued to gain impressive ground towards a Top 5 finish. With temperatures topping out near the 100 degree mark, Bell sat third in the qualifying line-up this past weekend after a less than perfect pill draw. As the # 30 team hit the track, Bell posted an excellent 18.368 lap time. Shooting to the top of the early qualifying board, she would remain there in front of 15 other qualifiers before coming to rest in the 8th spot. As the Race # 1 field rounded Turn 4, Track Announcer Larry Naston had the female race fans on their feet to support the NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver, whom he labeled "the fastest female on the planet." At the green, Bell would immediately lose ground when # 90, Justin Johnson missed his shift, costing Bell valuable positions. Slipping all the way back to 10th spot, Bell kept her focus and quickly continued her assault towards the front of the field. With incredible determination, Bell would regain the lost ground and catch her teammate Luis Martinez, Jr., to challenge for the seventh position. After several fierce laps between the teammates, Bell would use the inside line to grab the position and come to the finish line in 7th place, marking another Top 10 finishing result. As Race # 2 found its way to the starting line, Bell sat inside third row and was hopeful that her first Top 5 of the season was just 40 laps away. Rocketing into Turn # 1 right behind her teammate, she stayed tucked behind him until she was clear to run the high line. Building evident momentum she created a large gap between her and the # 6 of David Beat. Never wavering, her speed kept her 6-car lengths ahead of any threat until five laps to go when the # 10 of Mark Perry began a charge. Steady, she kept her focus and squashed any hope that Perry might have had on taking away her finishing position which left her just one spot from a Top 5. As Bell returned to her pit area, the crew jubilantly greeted her as the 6th place finish represented her best finish of the season and proof that a Top 5 is well within reach for this rookie. "We had a great weekend overall," Bell said. I'm definitely looking forward to our next race and hopeful that I can bring my team Owner, Luis Martinez a Top 5 from the # 30 car. I've been told by so many that a Top 5 at Toyota Speedway as a rookie is nearly impossible, but I thrive on the impossible. This track definitely has some of the best drivers on the West coast, so I'm just gonna keep making my way and learning all I can from each of them. I'd like to thank my team for all their hard work this weekend, NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program for allowing me this opportunity, Eibach Springs, NGK Spark Plugs, K. Bell Tile & Marble and Position One Motorsports. They make it all possible. I'd also like to thank my fans. It is such an awesome feeling to have so many of them visit me during the autograph session, taking photo's and supporting me in the grandstands! I really appreciate it." With only three race dates remaining in the 2009 season, Bell will return to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale with a heavy heart on Saturday, August 15th. She will be dedicating the race to her late Grandpa, Leon Mayfield who would have turned 80 years old on that Saturday and was unquestionably one of her biggest fans. Mayfield lost his short battle with lung cancer early this season and Bell says she intends to donate her winnings from the 50-lap feature event to the Carson Tahoe - Cancer Resource Center in Carson City, NV. "Although my heart will be heavy, my focus will be clear," said Bell. "I would love nothing more than to land my first Top 5 at Toyota Speedway on his birthday." |
 Doing her best to stay hydrated and focused, Bell put her energies into achieving another Top-10 finishing weekend after her dual Top-10 weekend during the previous race event. Slowly making her way up the points ladder, Bell is hopeful that she can better her current 10th place points standing and is determined to keep diggin' until the last lap of this seasons final event. After a very successful two-day practice event, Bell headed into qualifying, optimistic and determined on posting her best time thus far. With a warm-up lap that had her sitting 4th on the board, Bell and her team made a decision to run the high-line, a decision that they would later regret. Putting herself 10th on the board, Bell and her team didn't waste anytime dwelling on the decision, but rather regrouped and began the task of preparing the car for the feature event. With the sun setting and temperatures finally beginning to cool down, the field of twenty cars roared across the green flag to start the race. Still the only female in the field, Bell took the green flag behind her teammate Luis Martinez, Jr., in the tenth spot and the pair of Position One drivers attacked towards the front. By Lap #20, Bell found herself battling for the eighth spot behind #06 Dave Beat. Her battle with Beat would continue throughout the race and would be a preview of things to come for Race #2. As the race car fought her and had no forward bite, Bell would ultimately fall back and battle #57 David Ross for ninth. She and Ross raced each other hard, with each showing the other respect and providing the crowd with heart-pounding side by side action for several laps. At the finish line, Bell would take the checkered in the tenth spot, achieving her third Top-10 finish in a row. As Race #2 rolled to a start, conditions were even cooler and Bell took to the track in 13th position after the invert. This time around the Carson City, Nevada resident didn’t waste anytime showcasing her talent and was on the gas pedal overtaking positions by Lap # 3. Sliding into the eighth place spot after an intense, door-to-door 4 lap battle with #06 Dave Beat, Bell's # 30 entry showed the intense battling in the form of Beat’s tire rubber on the side of the car. Nevertheless, Bell’s battle soon moved on to her teammate, Martinez Jr., who had a two-car length advantage. Continuing to make ground as the laps counted down, Bell caught Martinez Jr., and on Lap #38 passed him in Turn 4, taking over seventh place where she would finish the race and bring home yet another dual-Top 10 finish for two consecutive race events. “My guys worked very hard all weekend," Bell said. With the recent changes to the team, I wasn't sure what to expect this weekend, but I'm happy to say that the weekend was a great success. We fought the car a bit during the first race but we were able to go back, make some changes and inch our way closer to that Top 5. With continued hard work and communication, I am confident we will be running for a Top 5 position in no time." With a 3-week break before the next AC Delco Super Late Model event, Bell will head to Indianapolis to attend the Lyn St. James, Women in the Winner's Circle luncheon on Thursday, July 23rd. Bell will return to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday, August 1st for Miller Lite Night at the races! Visit the Toyota Speedway website at www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com for more details. |
PRESS RELEASE ~ JULY 9, 2009 Carson City, NV – Just returning home from the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona, Florida where she mentored a group of young racers about the many opportunities of the motorsports profession, nineteen-year old NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver, Mackena Bell will head East yet again for the 7th Annual Women in the Winner's Circle Awards Ceremony to be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, July 23rd. Founded in 1994 by Lyn St. James, the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on worldwide activities and programs for driver development, advocacy, diversity and education, particularly for women who aspire to become race car drivers. The Foundation is dedicated to making a difference and reaching the point in time when "opportunity" and "diversity" are no longer concerns. The Foundation's mission is to provide leadership, vision, resources and financial support to help create an environment of opportunity for women's growth in the automotive and competitive motorsports fields. The Foundation’s ability to support its programs depends on individuals, businesses, organizations, teams and series who make financial and other contributions which are tax deductible under the laws of the Internal Revenue Service. A 2005 graduate of the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program, Bell will join other successful women race car drivers such as Janet Guthrie, Sarah Fisher and Melanie Troxel to celebrate the diversity and the successes of women in motorsports during the Centennial Anniversary of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "When I met Lyn St. James in 2005 my race career was just taking off. There have been many times that I have been reminded of the lessons that she taught me and numerous times that her words of wisdom have paid off. She is a wonderful part of our sport and it will be my pleasure to be a part of such a prestigious event," Bell said. Under contract with Position One Motorsports out of Baldwin Park, CA., she is currently ranked within the Top 10 at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. At the midway point of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model season, she remains the only female in the average field of 24 cars and will return to the 1/2 mile this weekend for a Twin 40's event. Visit www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com for further race details and www.lynstjames.com for information on how you can contribute to the Women in the Winner's Circle Foundation. |
 PRESS RELEASE * Daytona Beach, Fla.– (July 1, 2009) Local Racers Go “Behind-the-Scenes” at Daytona International Speedway ~ Will Meet Mackena Bell and Michael Cherry of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program. A group of young local aspiring race car drivers will go behind the scenes at Daytona International Speedway this weekend to meet NASCAR’s rising stars, their veteran elite and series officials for a behind the scenes look at the nation’s top racing series. The group consists of young racers who compete locally at New Smyrna Speedway in the various divisions. Prior to the start of the Coke Zero 400 Powered by Coca-Cola Sprint Cup Series race, they will go on a VIP tour of the pit and garage area and get to meet two of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity drivers, Mackena Bell and Michael Cherry. The group will also speak to various executives, as well as NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway officials to learn about the many opportunities in major motorsports. “This event is a great opportunity to expose young people in NASCAR’s hometown to our sport,” said Marcus Jadotte, NASCAR’s Managing Director of Public Affairs. “These young drivers dream of competing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series someday and we hope this unique behind the scenes look at our sport will inspire them to continue to pursue their dreams.” “My staff and I always enjoy speaking with area youth groups and showcasing the many opportunities that exist in this exciting sport,” said Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. “This tour is another example of our ongoing commitment to our community, and provides a great experience for those interested in motorsports.” Tickets for the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola on Saturday night, July 4 start at $40. Tickets are available on your web-enabled phone at mobile.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Watch this website for day to day photo's of Mackena's experience at this prestigous event! |
 Carson City NV - With the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model 2009 season at the highly competitive Toyota Speedway at Irwindale reaching its halfway point, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver, Mackena Bell started her race day in twelfth place with 212 points. Arriving for Rounds #9 and #10 of the season, Bell was looking for her first top-10 finish of the season. With track conditions changing from hour-to-hour, Bell hit the race surface and quickly placed herself 8th on the qualifying board. With only two cars left to qualify, Bell would crack the top-10 in qualifying by posting a 9th place effort. Looking to crack the top-10 in results for the first time this season, Bell took the green flag and on lap #3 quickly grabbed the 9th place from Rickey McCray. Sitting comfortably in 9th place, Bell set her focus on the 8th place car of the #57 David Ross. With a quick paced race, which only saw one caution flag, on lap #31 Bell and the 8th place car were separated by six car lengths. Driving smart and calculated, Bell would go on to finish her race in 9th place, at last cracking that top-10 that had been so elusive for the talented NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver. As the second 40-lap event lined up, Bell started outside fifth row and immediately rocketed to the 9th spot on lap #3, overtaking Rickey McCray. Able to pull away from the pack behind her, Bell soon realized she had lost some ground to the 8th place of the # 6 Dave Beat. In the 9 races at this track, Bell has learned many things and one of those lessons is to never stop racing until the checkered flag drops. Sticking to that motto, she dug in deep and with every lap inched her way closer to Beat. With ten laps left in the race, Bell found herself in a position to compete for the 8th spot. At every turn, Bell dropped to the inside line and attempted to pass Beat, but he would cut in front of her, narrowly missing her. Bell showed incredible patience and maturity, racing Beat cleanly settling for the 9th spot, door-to-door at the start/finish line. This finish completed her very first dual top-10 weekend. "Finally!" Bell said. "The #30 team got what we had been working so hard for. Week after week we have come to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale expecting "one" thing. After hard work from my crew chief, Larry Nava and the team, our dedication paid off and together we achieved our goal, not once but twice. Larry has been so dedicated to not only teaching me the way around the 1/2 mile, but to the #30 car. Now we'll move on and try to build from this in the final races of the season. My thanks go to the team, the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and my sponsors for their continued support". With this dual Top 10 finish, Bell jumped to 10th place in the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale point standings and will return on Saturday, July 11, 2009. For more information about this Drive for Diversity driver, visit her website at www.MackenaBell.com or D4D.tv. |
Happy Birthday to Mackena Bell as she celebrates her last year as a teenager. Enjoy the year, keep the pedal to the metal and continue to turn left kiddo. Matt White MattWhite Media@aol.com |
As Rounds #8 and #9 of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model series unfolded amid cloudy conditions, Mackena Bell in her # 30-NASCAR Drive for Diversity/ Mackena Bell Motorsports/ K. Dub Creative Web Design/ K. Bell Tile & Marble/Sciarroni Bros Racing, McBride Machine/Bell Helmets/NGK Spark Plugs machine had an outlook that was anything but dreary. Continuing to make progress throughout the season and arriving this weekend with her continued positive outlook, Bell had a renewed determination to succeed at the famed ½ mile. With 13 races left, Bell was focused toward the next phase of the 2009 season and the 40-lap twin events. After a full day of practice and numerous adjustments on the #30 entry, Bell lined up for qualifying. Hoping to cash in on her practice efforts, Bell stormed onto the ½ mile and skillfully maneuvered the #30 for the two laps, finding herself 13th in the field. Prior to qualifying, Bell and her team experimented with several different shock packages throwing everything at the car in a full team effort to reach their first Top 10 finish. With thunderclouds and a light drizzle making its way onto the track, the 20-car field took to the track for Race #1. Once the green flag dropped, it became evident why Bell was chosen to be a NASCAR Drive for Diversity program participant. At the start of the race Bell lost ground and dropped all the way back to sixteenth. Keeping her composure, she soon retook 3 spots and on Lap 23, had caught up to the twelfth place of Rickey McCray. After several laps of setting him up, she made the pass on lap 27 in dramatic fashion. With the clock winding down, Bell eventually put a sizable gap between her and McCray, hammered down and began catching up to the tenth place car. "I could taste that 10th place position," said Bell excitedly. "Time ran out, but the car was good and I continued to push myself and the car lap after lap." At the checkered flag, Bell would finish 11th, with McCray in the distance. During Race #2, Position One Motorsports Crew Chief, Larry Nava and the #30 team began prepping the car and again, made some suttle changes. Changing up the starting order for Race #2, Toyota Speedway officials started the race by lining up the field based on the second lap of qualifying, moving Bell to a 15th place starting position, rather than an 11th place start, where she had finished Race #1. "Just my luck," said Bell. "But it kept me up on the wheel and focused on that Top 10 finish." At the green, she again lost a position falling back to the sixteenth spot by lap 3. Resolute, Bell displayed her fierceness and quickly caught up to the #31 of Duane Hunt Jr. and the #55 of Jeff Eshleman by lap #15. In one swoop, Bell kept the petal to the metal and passed the duo, snatching up two positions and jumping to thirteenth spot. Continuing her charge towards the front, she didn't back down to a battle for twelfth. After some exciting back and forth racing that ensued for several laps, the only female in the field let the men on the track know that she wasn't intimidated. With the tire marks on her side to prove it, the youngster from Carson City would eventually cross the finish line in the thirteenth spot, after getting loose off of Turn 4 and losing a spot on the final lap. "My guys worked very hard on trying to figure out new things and I think we are right there once more. I know I sound like a broken record, but we are close! There are a few things I still need to work on and some changes are on the way for the car. My team is very deserving and I am doing my best week after week to show them how much I appreciate all their hard work." "I want to thank D4D, Position One, NGK, K. Bell Tile & Marble and Eibach Springs for their continued support. We will be back in two weekends and I'm hoping that I can get that top-ten for the whole #30 team and my Dad for Fathers Day!” |
 As the final donations from business owners, family and friends began to be calculated for the 1st Annual Mackena Bell Motorsports Golf Tournament this morning, Mackena said the generous monetary and raffle prize donations, together with raffle ticket support, far surpassed her expectations during such a difficult economic time. "I have always known what a great community I have grown-up in, but to see the support both on paper and during the event was really cool." Bell made a movie star type entrance at the event by landing in the middle of the driving range aboard Care Flight. With 88 golfers participating, Bell helped the medical crew to spread the word about the importance of safety. Bell will begin her nursing career in the field of critical care in the Fall. "My Auntie DeeAnn, who is a Critical Care Paramedic, made the Care Flight arrival possible. Having the opportunity to fly amongst such an impressive aircraft made me anxious to get back to school." Bell said in her opinion every good race car driver has to have a back-up plan. "Racing is so competitive right now and having a nursing degree will allow me to relocate to where I need to in order to chase my racing dream, while having the knowledge to work in a field that brings me not only the adrenaline rush I crave, but the possibility to save lives. It's so awesome!" For those following the racing career of this eighteen-year old talent, you know that she is only contracted with Position One Motorsports out of Baldwin Park, California for 18 of the 22 scheduled events. In order to compete for the Rookie of the Year title at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Bell must start all 22 races. With the economic decline hurting sponsorship opportunities, Bell was hopeful that the golf tournament would be a great success. With figures topping the $9,000 profit mark, Mackena Bell Motorsports has inched one step closer to those 22 mandatory starts. "It's no surprise that racing is an expensive career path. Even though the tournament was a huge success, we will most likely need one more fundraiser to get us through the entire season. The upside of that will be the opportunity for me to see everyone again and thank them for their continued support. All of them are the best." Check out Mackena's PHOTO Icon to see select pictures from the Care Flight experience as well as the golf tournament and keep your eyes peeled for the next Mackena Bell Motorsports fundraiser! |
 Reaching the season's halfway point of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model 2009 season, NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver, Mackena Bell, in her # 30 Mackena Bell Motorsports/ K. Dub Creative Web Design/ K. Bell Tile & Marble & NGK Spark Plugs machine remained hopeful that a positive weekend was in her future. As Race #7 began to unfold at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Bell ran with the top six during practice laps under sunny skies at the half mile speedway. Still working hard to find the perfect niche in the Position One Motorsports super late model, Mackena, together with her crew, hit the track optimistic that their best finish of the season was within their reach. Coming off a weekend where a broken A-arm sent her slamming into the wall, Bell ran her fastest lap of the season sliding into the fourteenth spot on the qualifying board. "I was disappointed in my times," Bell said. "We had been right there, top 6 during the practice laps. I didn't get enough heat in the tires to put me where I wanted to be." As the green flag waived, Bell quickly made some ground working her way to the eleventh position. As the 50 laps counted down, she raced hard side-by-side until a car running the high line came down into the side of her, making contact and sending Bell spinning down the front stretch. Able to restart the car, Bell was sent to the back of the field and would cross the start/finish line just four laps later in fourteenth position. "I had yet to spin the super late model out this season," Bell said. "I tried my best to save it, but was focused on keeping it out of the wall. Luck hasn't been on our side during the last two races, but we are still diggin' and learning what we can from each race. It's racing and it's what keeps me coming back week-after-week." Again the only female in the field, Bell is less than 15 points from a Top 8 point standing position and the only female in the Top 25. She will return to sunny Southern California for the Twin "35" Event on Saturday, June 6th. Check out the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale website for all the ACDelco Super Late Model standings! |
Coming into the fifth and sixth races of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model 2009 season, Position One Motorsports driver Mackena Bell in her # 30-NASCAR Drive for Diversity/ Mackena Bell Motorsports/ K. Dub Creative Web Design/ K. Bell Tile & Marble/NGK Spark Plugs machine, arrived optimistic about her weekend. Bell, who is currently 10th with 102 points in the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale Super Late Model standings, was prepared to break into her first top 10 finish of the season and move herself up the points ladder. During the early practice laps, Bell radio 'd to her crew that the car was not right. "It felt like something was slipping in the rear-end of the car," Bell said. "When I'd get on the gas coming off the turns, the tires would spin. It was like driving on ice." With Toyota Speedway officials deciding to increase the Twin-25 race to include an additional 10 laps, the Twin-35 event sent Bell headed out to complete her two-laps of qualifying in the late-afternoon temperatures. Running mid-pack during the practice lap sessions, Bell posted two incident free laps placing herself twelfth on the starting grid. As the only female in the field of 22 cars, Bell took the green flag for the first 35-lap event and immediately began her fight toward the front. Battling side-by-side for the tenth place position, she took to the high line pushing the #56 of Ron Esau down the backstretch for several laps while gaining the momentum necessary to pass him down low. As Bell went for the pass on lap 23, she was hit in the corner by #55 Jeffrey Eshleman. "I thought I was gonna lose it," Bell said. "I corrected one way, then the other and somehow ended up headed in the right direction," she says laughing. During the incident, Bell would lose two positions and cross the start/finish line 12th. Starting in the exact same position for race #2, Bell was hopeful that the crew had made the correct changes to get the car off the corners. As the green flew, Bell realized that she was still fighting the same issue and was radioing to the crew that the problem was still very much a part of the car. Now thinking that the problem may be the clutch, Bell was getting hammered from behind on the re-starts. Doing her best to get up to speed and to the high line, she stayed focused on that top 10 finish and managed to race to 9th by lap 8. But her fortune would take a turn for the worse when the A-arm broke, pulling away from the frame and slicing through the brake line. Bell went slamming into turn #3, coming to rest just outside of turn 4, being scored in seventeenth position. "After having the clutch slipping problem during race #1, the crew worked hard on the car and it felt good during the early laps of race #2. Even though we sat parked by Lap 23, the weekend still had a lot of positives. We had our best qualifying time yet with an 18.3 and the Position One Motorsports team and I are really gelling. I'm having fun and I know that a top 10 or better is right around the corner for my team. I'll be back on the 16th to give it another try. Thank you to my sponsors for their continued support and to all my new fans that take the time to come over and tell me how supportive they are to have a girl in the field. I love to hear that." Mackena and the Position One Motorsports team will return to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday, May 16th for a 50 lap feature and race seven of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model series. Check out all the latest race details at www.MackenaBell.com. |
 It should come as no surprise to any of you visiting this website, that Mackena Bell is driven by adrenaline! The eighteen-year old Carson High School graduate is preparing to begin her nursing career this Fall at Western Nevada College and will focus her studies in critical care. For the 1st Annual Mackena Bell Motorsports Golf Tournament taking place next weekend, May 9th, Mackena will land on the driving range of Empire Ranch Golf Course in Carson City, aboard the Care Flight helicopter. "I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this opportunity," Bell said. "I'm going to take it all in and enjoy every second of the experience. It's gonna be sooo cool!" From the day Mackena and her little sister Kellcy climbed into the seat of a Super Outlaw Kart, Kelly and Shannon Bell provided the best safety equipment money could buy. "It's never been an option," said Shannon Bell. "It has to be the best they make, no exceptions." Care Flight will be working with Mackena Bell Motorsports to stress the importance of safety; seatbelts, car-seats, recreational helmet use and other safety importance while performing routine daily activities as well as fun extra-curricular activities. "Our program is supportive of Mackena in her efforts to promote community based safety awareness projects. We look forward to working with her as part of our ongoing public education with regard to these important topics," said DeeAnn Dion, a Critical Care Paramedic with Care Flight. "REMSA/Care Flight is actively involved with safety education throughout Northern Nevada and Eastern California and we feel Mackena will be an asset in helping us get the message out to our public of all ages." While reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph while driving for NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program and Position One Motorsports in the Super Late Model Division, Bell says she realizes that the potential of becoming injured is always a factor. However, she says she has great confidence in her safety equipment and is happy to help spread the word and remind every child, young and old of how important safety equipment is. Join Mackena for her golf tournament by contacting Shannon Bell at 775-882-2936 to register, or support this young driver by sponsoring a hole. The deadline has been extended until next Tuesday, May 5th. Call for more details or check out the golf flyer under the "photo's" icon. |
CHECK IT OUT LiVe racing action from the seat of the #30 Drive for Diversity~Position One Motorsports Super Late Model, driven by eighteen-year-old, Mackena Bell. Copy and paste the following link and let her know what you think of your driving experience in her Guest Book! http://tr.youtube.com/user/AVENGED98 And remember to register for the 1st Annual Mackena Bell Motorsports Golf Tournament. Contact Shannon Bell at 775-882-2936 for details. |
The hot season at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale began Saturday, with Round #4 and a 90 degree day. Braving the heat, twenty-four drivers all converged looking to out-duel each other for the AC Delco Super Late Model 50-lap race. Mackena Bell, in her #30-NASCAR Drive for Diversity & Position One Motorsports machine was anxious for the weekend, as she was not able to attend practice on Friday evening and had experienced a tight race car during Rounds #2 & #3. With a positive attitude, Bell hit the slick track in second place order and got to it with confidence. Posting two great laps, Bell placed third on the timesheets initially, but would fall to a respectable thirteenth spot once all the drivers had completed their efforts. With temperatures cooling down and a breeze adding a welcome relief, Bell lined-up inside seventh row, took the green flag and immediately began maneuvering around the chaotic ½ mile track. On lap four, Bell's teammate, Luis Martinez Jr., was battling the #71 of Nick Joanides, when Martinez's right front tire made contact. Martinez suffered damage which brought out the first yellow of the event and left Bell as the sole driver representing Position One Motorsports. At the restart, Bell found her groove and quickly made her way by competitors. By lap twenty, she was up two positions and battling for twelfth with the #56 of Ron Esau. As Bell went to the high-line, so did Esau. As Bell dove to the low-line, so did Esau. Reminding herself that patience makes a good race car driver, Bell continued the pressure on Esau lap after lap, finally getting by him with eleven laps to go. Bell found herself at the checkers just one position from a Top 10 finish in only her third attempt at the infamous speedway. “We're getting it," Bell said. "We had our best qualifying run this weekend and the team worked really hard on the off weekend and it showed. We wanted a top-10 but drove hard for our best finish yet, 11th. Thank you to my sponsors, Position One Motorsports, NGK Spark Plugs and Eibach Springs, and a big thank you to my guys for giving me a great car. We're gonna get it!” Bell's best finish of the season has moved her to 10th within the points standings at Toyota Speedway of the 28 regular drivers. The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver together with Position One Motorsports will compete again on May 2nd when the fifth and sixth race of the NASCAR ACDelco Super Late Model series are scheduled to occur. Visit toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com for racing details, times and special ticket coupons. |
 Mackena Bell has announced a date for the 1st Annual Mackena Bell Motorsports Golf Tournament. The event, which will be held on Saturday, May 9th, will include raffle prizes, BBQ and refreshments. Bell is under contract for 18 of the 22 races with Position One Motorsports. In order to be eligible for rookie of the year, Bell must run a full season. All proceeds from this event will go towards Mackena's attempt at the award. Please click on the PHOTO icon on the Home Page to see the flyer for further details. See YOU at the course! |
 As Mackena Bell Motorsports made its way to Round #2 of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Super Late Model Series at Toyota Speedway last Thursday afternoon, devastating news was delivered via cell phone. Mackena's Great-Grandpa, who was well known at the racetrack for supporting his racing granddaughters, had succumbed to lung cancer, just 7 short weeks after diagnosis. "If you looked up "great" grandpa in the dictionary, my Papa's picture was there," said 13-year old Kellcy Bell. "It doesn't seem real yet. How can someone who is such a big part of your heart be gone? He was always there to tell us good job and give us that kiss on the forehead." With Twin-25's slated for the weekends race, Mackena Bell said she whispered a little message to her Great Grandpa before hitting the track on Saturday evening. "Ride on my shoulder Pops, hang-on tight and together we'll make it to the top." Through admitted tears, Bell said she lined up for the feature event and felt a funny feeling of calm. "I knew he was right there. He has without question been one of my biggest fans throughout my 7-year career. He has traveled near and far to support both me and Kellcy, whether it was at the racetrack or the basketball court. I know I speak for both me and my sister when I say the grandstands will never be the same. At the track he was always standing as the green flag flew and always waving his white hat in the air as we would cross the start/finish line." With misty eyes, Bell explained that she once again fought a loose, then tight race car when describing her race weekend. With temperatures in the mid 70's, Bell would qualify on a greasy track and the crew would do their best to adjust for the cooler temperatures that would come once the sun set. Posting a 13th and 14th place finish in the field of 25 cars, Bell said, "The team and I are close on hitting the right set-up. We worked hard this weekend, made a lot of changes and are going in the right direction. I was hopeful that we would find it this weekend, but we'll wait until next time." When Bell returns to the track on April 18th, she will run a 50-lap feature event and put the new changes and findings to the test. For more racing details, visit www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com and keep this family and their loved ones in your prayers. See YOU at the track! |
Mackena was the Drive for Diversity guest on "The Morning Drive" Sirius Radio Channel 128 with David Poole and Mike Bagley this morning. If you missed it, cut and paste the following link to listen to her Live interview! Link to file: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/668124145/7c86fad20140 dabeaaca8d1a9b0d4d52 |
 As round one of the 2009 NASCAR Whelen All American Super Late Model Series at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale unfolded Saturday evening, NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver, Mackena Bell was feeling the pressure of the season opener. With a restless night of sleep, she awoke to a stomach full of butterflies. But as all race car drivers must do, she grabbed her racing gear, a few aspirin and headed to the team meeting. By mid-afternoon, Bell was strapping herself in for the practice lap session, where she immediately was fighting a tight race car. Coming off a Friday night practice where the car was too loose, Bell and the crew worked vigorously to get the car to her liking. Posting a best lap of 18.876, much off the pace of an earlier 18.480, Bell was still not satisfied. Exiting the track, she headed for the pit area where she and the crew continued to wrench on the car. As she entered the track on the back stretch, she scuffed the tires and took off for her first official qualifying lap of 2009. Posting a 18.564 lap, Bell found herself twenty-fourth of the 34 car field. "The car was way loose Friday night and then too tight tonight, but we'll get it," said Bell, "I know we're close." As the fans found their way back to their seats after a fun-filled autograph signing session, the Super Late Model field made their way to the racing grid, and a rolling start was announced. As the field bunched together, she tugged on her seatbelts one last time and reminded herself that this was the moment she had been waiting four long months for. As the green flag flew for the 100 lap event, Bell got on the gas and headed for the high line. Still having trouble with the tight car, Bell lost some ground in the opening laps and fell all the way back to twenty-ninth position. But as the laps counted down, the car started to come to her, and by lap 37 she was making up for lost ground. By lap 45, she had regained those lost positions and was ready to take a chance using the lower line. "I was trying to keep my momentum on the high line but was finding myself in a position to pass using the lower line. I hadn't tried the low line during any of my practice laps, so I had no idea if it would stick or not. I've never been any good at following, [she said laughing] so I went for it, and it worked out." Missing an early spin and keeping her mind clear and focused during the caution laps, Bell continued with the high line momentum, low line passes and crossed the finish line in seventeenth position. "Once the car and I came together, I felt I could trust it. I began moving forward and I guess the finish isn't too bad. There's a lot of cars at this track when you compare it to the other tracks running this division. So I guess a mid-pack finish will have to do... this time." David Martinez of Position One Motorsports said, "It was a truly incredible result for her considering this was her first race in a Super Late Model car at a track with limited testing and with a new team." "I'll be focused on improving my qualifying and finishing position during the next race," she said. "I'm looking forward to running up front with my teammate. Congrats to him on a great run and thank you to my 30+ family and friends that travelled to Irwindale to support me. You made the day all the more special." Team Owner, Luis Martinez had this to say about his Position One Motorsports finishes. "I remember talking to the drivers on Friday night, telling them that our #1 goal was to finish the race. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would finish the way we did. With over 30 entries in the field, our drivers finishing 2nd and 17th proved they were more ready for the start of the 2009 season than I was. Very impressive work by our spotters, mechanics, drivers and crew chiefs!" Mackena Bell Motorsports will return to Toyota Speedway at Irwindale on Saturday, April 4th. Gates will open at 4:00pm for the Super Late Model - Twins Race (Two sets of 25 laps), King Taco Trucks, Legends & Bandoleros. Check the Toyota Speedway at Irwindale website for all the racing details at: toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com See YOU at the track! |
POSTED BY MACKENA BELL Hey Racefans, Family & Friends! Check out my latest 3 pages of photo's by clicking on the PHOTOS icon...AND wanna know what's happening before everyone else? Well, YOU can! The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program (D4D) has created a great website in order for all of my racefans to stay up to date, minute by minute. Schedules, pics, video's and details of whats happening on and off the track can be found with one simple step, but.... YOU have to sign up! Log into D4D.tv right now, SIGN-UP, create your own profile and then add me as a friend! It's simple and YOU will be right in the middle of all the action! See YOU at the track! ~Mackena~ |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MATT WHITE MEDIA for MACKENA BELL MOTORSPORTS CARSON CITY, NV. ~ NASCAR Drive for Diversity driver Mackena Bell, from Carson City, Nevada will begin her 2009 NASCAR Whelen All American Series - Super Late Model season this Saturday evening, March 21st at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California. In her rookie season as a Super Late Model Division driver, Bell will find herself behind the wheel of the No. 30 AC Delco ~ Position One Motorsports machine on the ½ mile asphalt oval. The 18-year old female driver has been answering the calls of the media and testing in the 500 horsepower ride since early February where she has already shown significant improvement according to Larry Nava, Bell's new crew chief under the Position One Motorsports banner. "She has surprised us. She's not afraid to get on the gas," Nava said. "Based on her performance during testing, I have high expectations for Mackena this year. I'm excited about her aggressiveness on the track and I appreciate her determination to do better each time she climbs in the car. We expect her to finish within the top 10 early in the season and think she has a good chance at Rookie of the Year." Bell is coming off a successful rookie season in the Late Model Division where she finished 9th overall at All American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. During the 08' season, Bell openly admitted that she felt held back on the race track because of her limited budget due to the economic decline and the impact it had in obtaining sponsorship support. This season however, Bell has the backing of NASCAR's Drive for Diversity (D4D) program (www.drivefordiversity.com) and the experience of an established race team with Position One Motorsports (www.position-onemotorsports.com). Mackena Bell Motorsports, K. Dub Creative Web Design, K. Bell Tile & Marble, Sciarroni Bros Racing, McBride Machine, Bell Helmets and NGK Spark Plugs are also on board for the 2009 season. "Drive for Diversity has given me the opportunity of a lifetime and Luis Martinez [team owner] has provided me with a top-notch race car and a great crew of guys who really know their stuff," said Bell. "All the guys have been really supportive in helping me make the transition to the larger track and I immediately felt comfortable in trusting the car to run the high line. Irwindale is all about momentum and hitting your marks. That is my focus this weekend." With over 30 Super Late Models anticipated for the 100-Lap season opener, the dirt and asphalt Champion without question has her work cut-out for her. But the always energetic young driver tells me that she is confident that she has what it takes. "My mom and dad have worked hard getting me up the racing ladder and to this point in my career. They have made plenty of sacrifices throughout the past 6 years and now it ‘s my turn to let them sit back and enjoy it. Just like all drivers starting out the 2009 season, I'm ready to get up on the wheel, take the green flag and hit the high line!" Finishing~up numerous media inquires this week, the D4D driver will speak to David Poole and Mike Bagley about her opening weekend, live on the Sirius radio show, The Morning Drive, next Wednesday morning, March 25th. Tune-in as Bell will discuss her Drive for Diversity experience so far, her connection with the Position One Motorsports team and listen while she shares her personal highlights of her opening weekend at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. Details regarding sponsorship opportunities with Mackena Bell can be addressed to: www.MackenaBell.com. Race fans can be directly connected to Mackena Bell through a newly formed D4D website. Sign-up today at: www.D4D.tv Toyota Speedway at Irwindale information can be obtained at: www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com |
 In a letter dated February 9th, Mike Helton, President of NASCAR, extended his congratulations to Mackena on her selection as a 2009 driver in NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program. Helton praised Bell on her dedication, talent and hard work in reaching this milestone in her racing career and welcomed her as driver in this series. He offered his best wishes as she develops her skills and reminded her that NASCAR will be cheering her on during this race season. Continue to keep your eye's on this site as Irwindale pictures and testing times are posted throughout the weeks ahead! Until then, check out the Toyota Speedway website for all the racing details! See YOU at the track. |
 Mackena was featured this evening on the Emmy award winning KTVN News Channel 2 with Kristen Remington at 5:30 pm. The interview process which was taped Wednesday evening was fun for Bell and she said news anchor, Kristen Remington was a lot of fun and very easy to be around. "What a great experience," Bell said. "Kristen got right in there, asking a lot of questions and seemed very genuine about learning about my passion." The segment can be viewed by copying and pasting the link below: http://www.ktvn.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3392805&h1=Someone%202%20Know%3A%20Mackena%20Bell&vt1=v&at1=Community&d1=185767&LaunchPageAdTag=News&activePane=info&rnd=19221330 For Bell, she says "I was really happy with how the segment came out and I thank Channel 2 for allowing me to share my story." Check it out! |
 Written By: Robert Perea Reno Gazette Journal/Carson Times From the time she started racing go-karts as a little girl, Mackena Bell has made a name for herself on the race track. But now, Bell is getting the biggest break of her career to date. Bell is one of 12 drivers chosen for the sixth season of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program. She will race this season for Position One Motorsports in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif. Bell began her racing career in go-karts, and in 2002, at age 11, she was crowned champion in the Super Outlaw Dirt Kart, Box Stock Division at Thunder Bowl Speedway in Carson City. She finished eighth in the standings in the late model division last season in the Whelen All-American series at All-American Speedway in Roseville, Calif. After the season, she was selected to attend NASCAR's Driver for Diversity combine in South Boston, Va. The Driver for Diversity program is designed to give young minority and female drivers opportunities to compete with established NASCAR teams at the grassroots level. The 12 drivers chosen for this year's program were announced yesterday at the NASCAR Charlotte Media Tour at the NASCAR Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C. Although the names weren't formally announced until then, Bell said she was notified Nov. 3 by Luis Martinez, the owner of Position One Motorsports, that they had selected her to race for them this season. "I was totally ecstatic," Bell said. "It was almost like it took a few days for it to hit me." Bell said the hardest part was keeping the secret, since the selections were confidential until NASCAR's announcement on Thursday, January 22nd. "That's been really hard, because it's such great news and such an accomplishment, and something I've been trying to do for three years now," she said. "Everyone has been testing my secret skills, because everyone knows I went back there." Bell visited with Martinez and the Position One Motorsports team in November. She said she was impressed with the team, and blown away by the facilities at Toyota Speedway. "It's amazing," she said. "Just the stands are like NASCAR stands. The facility is top-notch." Martinez said he chose Bell from among the pool of drivers at the diversity combine because of her personality and her driving ability. "She went out and posted real good laps, had real good car control and she has a great attitude," he said. The Whelen All-American Series consists of 22 races over 14 weekends, starting March 21. Martinez said he believes Bell will be competitive right away. "Being rookie of the year is not a very far-fetched goal for her," he said. "If she can reach that first goal, then contending for the championship is just a cherry on top." Martinez said the team is building a car from the ground up that Bell will be driving. She was fitted for the car on her visit with the team in November, and the seat of her own late model car is being put into the car she will race this season. Martinez said Bell will go to Irwindale for three or four days of testing once the car is complete. Like her career has progressed to this point, Bell said being chosen for the Driver for Diversity program is a big step forward. "You've just got to work your way up and that takes time, but this is the first step to establishing my career," she said. "The diversity program really helps your career. They help you get started." Bell's focus now is to prepare for the upcoming season, both by getting used to the car she'll be racing, and by attracting additional sponsors. Her contract with Position One Motorsports calls for her to race in 18 races, but to race the entire season of 22 races she needs to raise about $30,000. Bell plans to host a golf tournament fundraiser, and is also looking to approach potential sponsors. "We're just trying to get as much sponsorship as we can," Bell said. Bell also hopes to perform well enough this season to be accepted to the program for another year. After a year in the diversity program, a returning driver has to attend next year's combine like any newcomer, although they are automatically accepted to the combine. Then, if their team owner is participating again, their previous team owner has first right of refusal to re-sign them. If that team owner declines to sign the driver for a second year, then they are up for grabs for other team owners. |
 By Roger Diez Nevada Appeal Sports Writer Saturday - January 24, 2009 Congratulations to Mackena Bell on her selection for NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program. NASCAR released information on this year’s selections on Friday, and Bell will be driving the No. 11 AC Delco Super Late Model for Luis Martinez under the Position One Motorsports banner. Bell will run a minimum of 18 races in the Whelen Series at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, Cal. It seems like just yesterday that she was wheeling a Box Stock Outlaw Kart around the infield at Champion Speedway here in Carson City. I have watched her progress through the karting ranks into Legends and Late Models, winning races and championships along the way, and I can tell you that this is a young driver with both the talent and the will to succeed. Others know it as well, because she is being besieged by several different agencies that want to promote this very “marketable” talent. It may not be too long before we have a local driver to cheer for as we watch NASCAR’s major division races on TV. Mackena will be in attendance at this weekend’s Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale, fresh from the inauguration ceremonies in Washington D.C., and press duties in North Carolina. She won't be driving in the Shootout this year, but will be presented as the Diversity driver who will be running at the speedway for the 2009 season. |
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday ~ January 22, 2009 CARSON CITY, NV ~ NASCAR announced today during the NASCAR Media Tour in Charlotte, NC that 18-year old female driver, Mackena Bell of Carson City, NV was selected as a candidate in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and will join Position One Motorsports, owned by Luis Martinez of Baldwin Park, CA for the 2009 NASCAR Whelen Series at the legendary Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, CA. Bell will drive the #11 AC Delco Super Late Model for the newly formed NASCAR diversity team. Bell will run a minimum of 18 races and is under contract with Position One Motorsports from March 1 through September 30, 2009. In her first attempt to apply as a Late Model driver for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, Bell was selected as a finalist from over 200 applicants in the 2009 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program. After an impressive test session in front of NASCAR team owners at South Boston Speedway in Virginia last October, Bell proudly accepted Position One's proposal and the opportunity to participate in the driver development program. Bell said, "Surprisingly I wasn't nervous about testing in front of the team owners, but excited to show them what I could do. Everyone within the Drive for Diversity program was very encouraging and I'm honored to have been in such great company. I'm looking forward to working with Mr. Martinez and the Position One Motorsports team and I have no doubt that together we are capable of great things at Irwindale this summer." The 2008 Prom Queen brings to Position One Motorsports six years of racing experience which includes Championship titles on both asphalt and dirt and four rookie of the year titles. She began her racing career in a dirt Super Outlaw Kart at the age of 12 and quickly progressed to the INEX Legends Division where she was the youngest female competitor on the west coast to win a Championship at age 14. Debuting early 2008 in the NASCAR Whelen Late Model Division at All American Speedway in Roseville, CA., Bell finished her rookie season within the Top 10 and was recognized # 234 out of thousands of drivers who competed at NASCAR sanctioned short tracks across North America. This Saturday, January 24th, Bell will take her first ride around the iconic speedway during the Toyota All-Star Showdown when she is introduced to the 6000 spectators as the 2009 Drive for Diversity recipient for Toyota Speedway at Irwindale. "What an honor!" Bell said. "I feel very lucky to have this opportunity with such a great team at such an awesome race track. I'm looking forward to calling Toyota Speedway home for the summer." With her Irwindale debut scheduled for March 21, 2009, Bell will be busy with test sessions and media appearances in the weeks to come. Looking to bring sponsorship monies to her program in an effort to extend her number of races from 18 to 22, Bell is developing a sponsorship packet and plans to host a NASCAR themed golf tournament in her hometown in the spring. If you are interested in supporting this young ladies efforts during the 2009 season, please click on the ' Sponsors ' icon for more information. |
 (See More Photo's on the Polaroids Page) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The group of Carson High School students who came to the nation’s capital for the inauguration of Barack Obama have had a couple of close encounters with the president-elect. They arrived on Saturday and were at Union Station when Obama’s train arrived from Philadelphia. Obama never entered the station, however, instead entering with his motorcade and leaving from the back. Sunday morning, the students arrived at Arlington National Cemetery just as the future president was driving away. “He waved at us,” said Mackena Bell, 18, a 2008 Carson High School graduate and Chaperone on the trip. The students braced against temperatures in the 20s to tour historic monuments Saturday night and the cemetery Sunday morning. At noon, they watched the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Angila Golik, the history and government teacher who organized the trip, said she was impressed with the spirit in Washington, D.C. “Everywhere you go you see these signs hanging that say ‘hope,’ and ‘thank you’ and ‘welcome,’ ” she said. She took a picture of a sign hanging on a building that read, “Welcome Sasha and Malia.” While the 14 students and four chaperones were at Arlington, they also were able to place a wreath on the Challenger memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives when the space shuttle exploded on Jan. 28, 1986. The students plan to travel to Mount Vernon today and then visit the Smithsonian Complex. On Tuesday, the students will meet early in the morning to attend the inauguration. |
Eighteen year old Mackena Bell will head to Washington D.C. on Saturday to witness history during the 56th Presidential Inauguration. Bell will travel with her former High School Government teacher, Angila Golik and a group of Carson High School students from Carson City, NV. Together they will visit such sites as Union Station, the Museum of American History, the Lincoln Memorial and the Air & Space Museum, just to name a few. On Tuesday afternoon, Bell will watch the official Swearing-In-Ceremony from reserved seats located in the West Front of the US Capitol. After the ceremony, the group will visit the Holocaust Museum and partake in the Inaugural Parade on Pennsylvania Avenue. "I can't wait!" Bell said. "This is a chance of a lifetime and I am very honored to have been selected to chaperone. This is definately an event to write home about and something I will share with everyone who will listen in the years to come." Bell will post pictures and update her Journal when she returns home the last week of January, so check back for what is sure to be a walk through history for this young woman. |
 The 18-year-old Carson High School graduate said she was happy to help collect coats that will be distributed by the Carson School District and toys that will go to Toys For Tots organization. Bell hosted the charity drive with her 13-year-old sister, Kellcy Bell, who came up with the idea for the drive after learning that some students at Eagle Valley Middle School couldn't afford coats for the winter. Kellcy said she remembers when her family helped with a charity drive when she was in elementary school and it was time to do it again. "I remember all the coats me and my mom sorted through at Seeliger and I remember how excited everyone was to have them. I knew we had to do it again." “Mackena and Kellcy thank you for your donation,” said a handmade sign painted by Angila Golik and taped to the race trailer. Rachael Williams provided free Star Bucks coffee for the donators and the Mackena Bell fan club sheets filled up quickly. The sisters’ mother, Shannon Bell, said donations started coming in 45 minutes before the drive started Saturday morning and she was happy to see that people had brought even new coats. "The communities support is evidence that everyone can make time to give." Mackena decided she could help bring attention to the cause with her fleet of race cars while the family worked to help meet a huge demand for winter clothes this year. "I think we may have pulled it off." said Shannon. Kathy Hawkins, a long time family friend, said she donated toys Saturday because of the need in Carson City that Mackena & Kellcy brought to everyone's attention. “We really believe in their cause, of course.” Hawkins said. “It’s a great way to support the Christmas spirit.” Ken Barrette said he’s had fun working as a mechanic on Mackena’s team through-out the 2008 season in a racing world that hasn’t given the young driver any special treatment. “If anything, she might have had to work a little bit harder to prove herself,” he said. Mackena will return to racing this weekend at Red Bluff's highly competitive dirt track. Bell says she enjoys running the winter series because it keeps her driving skills in tune and her urge to race in check. If you were unable to attend the December 6th event and have toys or coats you would like to donate, please contact Mackena Bell Motorsports directly at kbelltile@aol.com. |
 The sister duo of Mackena & Kellcy Bell hope to fill Mackena's Late Model race car and trailer with as many coats and toys as possible for the areas children during the holiday season. "Me and Mackena have been talking about this for a couple of months. We hope that the community will come out and support us. There are a lot of kids around Carson that need coats and we know that mom and dads will have trouble with Christmas because they lost their jobs. We're hoping this will help them," said Kellcy Bell. Kellcy heads-up the Mackena Bell Motorsports fan club and has two-dirt karting Championship titles. Retiring from racing to play basketball and volleyball, Kellcy still stays involved with the racing world by supporting her older sister both on and off the track. She says that those who become part of the fan club at the event will be entered into a drawing where they have the opportunity to win an autographed, framed photo from the NASCAR rookie driver. "The community has been very supportive with my racing," said Mackena Bell. "This is my way of giving back, letting them know I appreciate it. Like Kellcy said, we are hoping that the community will come out, support this great cause and make a difference during this holiday season." If your business would be willing to post a flyer about this up and coming event, please contact Mackena Bell Motorsports at kbelltile@aol.com. Happy Holidays from Mackena Bell Motorsports and Family |
 Returning to her career starting track this past weekend at the highly competitive indoor dirt track in Red Bluff, CA., Bell is driving the Sciarroni Bros. 500cc open machine. With nearly 40 open 500cc karts on hand, Bell said she wasn't expecting much during qualifying as she has not been in a dirt kart in over 7 months. Instead, she took the time to lay down a few laps, get familiar with the track and focused her sites on working her way through the field as the night progressed. Qualifying 25th of the 37 karts, Bell found herself in the last of five heat races. Starting last row inside, Bell wasted no time making her way through the field. But while passing for the 3rd place transfer position, Bell's throttle cable stuck and then broke, resulting in a 6th place effort at the line and an invitation to the C Main Event. Red Bluff Outlaw kart reporter Jack Waterman (www.rboutlaws.com) says "Climbing the Mains is one of the hardest things a driver can do. We are glad to see one of the top Outlaw Kart racers in the nation return to Red Bluff, hopefully for the entire season. Mackena dominated the C main event after coming off a great season of Late Model racing and taking a spot in the Drive for Diversity combine. Her new Sciarroni Motorsports kart is running a brand new paint scheme of black and orange and looked great as she wheeled it to the C event win." Posting the quickest time of the C event field, Bell would be the only female to transfer to the B Main Event. Lining-up dead last of the 16 kart field, Bell ran a strong and aggressive race and was one position short of transferring into the Main Event feature at the flag. "Although my night was cut short, I feel confident that I could have made the feature event had we not fallen on bad luck during the heat race. The kart was fast and I was one of only a few that moved forward. After some changes this week to make me more comfortable, I'm looking forward to a strong run this weekend and thank Dave Sciarroni for allowing me the opportunity to return to Red Bluff this season." Bell will be back in the seat of the Sciarroni Bros. machine this weekend to participate in Race #3 of the season. Although Bell says she is uncertain how many races she will participate in from now until mid March, she is glad to be back to her old stompin' grounds and have the opportunity to keep her driving skills at their best. |
 Running lap times on Friday afternoon that placed her in the middle of the pack, Bell worked her way into a 6th place position during the final practice session. When qualifying found her 13th overall, Bell was discouraged with her performance and the struggle her crew was having in loosening up the car. "We have struggled with a tight race car all season. I was comfortable with my performance in Turns 1 and 2, but I couldn't put the car where I wanted it in 3 and 4 and my qualifying times reflected that." When an invert of 12 was drawn, Bell found herself even more discouraged knowing she had just missed the pole position and would start the Main Event inside sixth row. As the line-up made its way onto the track, Bell in her newly painted and restickered machine knew that the race would be heated with testosterone. With drivers from Madera and Altamont Speedway's mixing their ego's with those of All American, Bell said she was focused on holding her own on the track and knew that her biggest job of the night was to avoid the mishaps, stay up on the wheel and make it to the checkered flag. As the field took the green, Bell would find herself in the middle of the first incident, just making her way through the cloud of dirt. As the laps progressed, she would again find herself in the middle of a second collection of cars, sliding through the infield on the front stretch and managing to drive the spinning car back into turn 1. "I felt that I had pretty good control of the car until I hit the grass! That made the ride all that more difficult but I was able to pull through." As the laps counted down on the score board, Bell and NHRA Funny Car driver Ron Capps battled. When a lap car had the high line coming out of Turn 4, Bell found herself three-wide and lifted to avoid what she calls a potential disaster. "Ron ran behind me for most of the race, but when I saw the lapped car up high and Ron and I were battling coming into Turn 3, I knew the smart thing to do was to lift and save the both of us. He may have all the talent in a funny car, but I knew better than to go three-wide with a less experienced late model driver." It has been no secret that Bell operates on a limited budget and has raced her season knowing that if she crashed the car hard enough her season would be finished. Bell says her parents have raised both the racing sisters knowing that taking care of your equipment was more important than grabbing an extra position and crashing the car. "It's a bummer to have to race that way, but in the end it has almost always been the smarter thing to do," Bell said. "If you can mix patience and consistency, you will earn yourself a pretty good season." As the minutes in the race dwindled and track officials counted the yellows, it was radioed to each driver that a green/white/checkered would end the race by lap 96. As the white flag flew, a crash occurred in Turn 2. When the 17 spun the 50, the 89 of Bobby Hodges hit the brakes hard. Capps, with no where to go, sent Hodges spinning and Bell found herself headed right into the drivers door of the 89. Heavy on her brakes, Bell shot low, then high to avoid Hodges. At the checkered Bell had lost a position to the 9m of Mike Mansch and would be scored in 8th position. "It was a crazy night for us!" Bell said. "I stayed focused on being patient, I drove smart and in the end I was able to put my car back in the race trailer with only a few "famous" doughnuts from Ron Capps. It wasn't the perfect run for me, but it could've been much worse. We'll take it!" As Bell finds her asphalt season coming to an end, she finds her dirt season just beginning. As she has done since the age of 12, Bell will return to Red Bluff, CA., this weekend to climb back into a Super Outlaw kart at the wild and highly competitive Tehama Fairgrounds. "I can't wait! I have no intention on running for points this season. I'm heading back to my racing roots to keep my reflexes up and my racing urge curbed," she says smiling. "I haven't known a winter in the last 6 years that hasn't included Red Bluff and this winter won't be any different." As Mackena continues to feed her racing passion throughout the winter months, she also filled me in on some fundraising events that are in the planning stages for next years Late Model program. "We are planning for the future and hoping for the best," said the teen. "I know that there are plenty of kids my age that aren't really sure what they want to do with their lives, but I'm not one of them. I have to race and with all the support I have received from my community, I have no doubt they will continue to support me. 2009 is gonna be a great year and I'm determined to make it happen!" |
Mackena Bell has been awarded the honor of representing NGK Spark Plugs on their National Website at www.artoffast.com. Check it out! |
 As Mackena Bell boarded her lengthy flight home from South Boston, Virginia, she had plenty of time to reflect on her two-weeks back East and the huge opportunity she had just participated in. One of only 24 candidates selected from hundreds of applicants to attend the Drive for Diversity Combine at South Boston Speedway, Bell says the program is 'first class all the way'. "The entire program was such a great experience and Wendell Scott Jr., is such an inspiration. I never imagined upon getting that phone call that I would look back and feel so fortunate for the invitation. I learned so much, met the nicest people and between their accents and the sweet tea, I was hooked." Packing as much racing into her trip as possible, Bell visited the Legends INEX 600 Racing headquarters and hoped to take in an East coast Legends race, but rainy weather would not allow it. The rainy weather cooperated on-and-off for the Nationwide and Sprint Cup races at Lowe's Motor Speedway and allowed Bell to visit several race garages including Petty Enterprises, JR Motorsports, Hendrick Motorsports and Kasey Kahne, Ganassi, Roush Fenway and Yates Racing. "Unbelievable!" said Bell about the facilities. "I was in heaven going from one garage to the next. Being around that racing 'atmosphere' confirmed to me that I'm doing exactly what I'm meant to be doing." While she may have been on Cloud 9, Mackena admits her thoughts of the combine never left her mind. "Surprisingly I wasn't that nervous about getting behind the wheel of the Camping World car," she said. "Marty Melo had given me an opportunity to run about 100 laps at Shasta Raceway last summer in one (race car), so I was able to focus my thoughts on other things besides the unknowns of the car." All in all, Bell said she was very pleased with her consistent lap times, her communication with the crew, and her ability to be herself. "That was just as important to me as doing well on the track. I am who I am and if I have to focus on being something else for them, then it's gonna take away from my driving, and it's going to affect my finishes. I don't want that." In many of my previous interviews with Mackena, I have always enjoyed the honesty she brings to each of them. When I asked her what the most difficult part of the two-weeks was, she answered, "Media!" "The hardest part of the combine was the media portion!" Laughing, she went on to explain that the camera gets her every time and no matter how much she rehearses what she's going to say, it seems to come out backwards. "Shoot, forget the nursing classes," she said jokingly. "I better sign-up for a media course! I can drive the wheels off of a race car, but that camera...." Bell will not learn her 2009 fate from the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program until mid November, but in the meantime, she's not waiting around. She will return to All American Speedway this weekend, October 24th & 25th, for the NASCAR Camping World & Ward Land Management & Development Late Model 100. The Friday & Saturday event will be the last on the schedule for the 2008 season and Bell says she is anxious to get back behind the wheel of her family owned car. "I attended the NASCAR Camping World and Late Model race last March as a spectator and it was a great show. I'm looking forward to being a participant this weekend and hoping for a great finish to add to my rookie season stats." With a final few words for our interview, Bell wanted to thank Sunoco, Wendell Scott Jr., Debbie and Michelle with Drive for Diversity, DJ & Darrel Krentz, Shane & Penny Kline and especially her Crew Chief, Dave Sciarroni for being a part of her Drive for Diversity experience. Pictures of the combine experience have been posted under her Photo's Icon. |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE By: Roger Diez - Nevada Appeal September 30, 2008 CARSON CITY, NV ~ Mackena Bell is one of only 24 racers selected from hundreds of applicants nationwide to try out for NASCAR’s 2009 Drive for Diversity program. She will be at Virginia’s South Boston Speedway on October 13 and 14 to participate in the elimination process that will choose eight drivers from the 24 selected racers. Each of the eight will receive a one-year contract, national publicity, and a chance to race with a professional NASCAR team. This is Bell’s third attempt at the program, and her first invitation to the “combine” as the elimination process is known. “It is a terrific honor to be invited to the combine. It shows that they see my determination and focus, as well as my passion for the sport, “says Bell. “The first two times I really wasn’t ready, and I realize that now. But this year, even if I’m not selected for the program, I’m one step further than I was before.” In a sport that was founded by bootleggers and shade tree mechanics, “diversity” is a relatively new concept. But NASCAR realized that the sport and the fan base has expanded over the years to encompass a much broader base; hence the Drive for Diversity initiative to encourage participation by female and minority racers. Bell is the epitome of the type of driver they are looking for. She has been racing since she was 12 years old, first in dirt Outlaw karts, then in Legends cars, winning a Championship title in both. Recently turned 18, she sold her Legends car to finance her own single-car late model race team. She has just completed her rookie season in the NASCAR Whelen Late Model series at All American Speedway in Roseville, California. She is the youngest of the female late model drivers in the series and operates on a limited budget, with an all-volunteer crew of five plus her father, Kelly Bell. “I don’t have the budget to repair a lot of crash damage, so I have to be careful to take care of my stuff,” says Bell. Despite being careful, she has managed to score 11 top ten finishes and three top fives in 18 starts, racing against bigger and better funded teams. She is currently shown ninth in the final point standings, but a scoring review currently in progress could move her to eighth. Bell is going to make a working vacation out of her trip back East, planning to visit race shops and tracks while there. She will attend the Nationwide and Cup series races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with her crew chief, Dave Sciarroni, who will accompany her to the Drive for Diversity combine. But the highlight of the trip will be the two-day Drive for Diversity combine, which consists of a day of classroom instruction on things drivers need to know about interviews, press contacts, sponsor activities, and more. The second day is a track day, with each participant running a forty minute session, working with a veteran NASCAR crew chief and spotter. The session consists of running different racing lines as directed by the crew chief, giving feedback on the car’s handling, and running two mock qualifying laps. Bell gives credit for her success thus far in her racing career to her parents, Kelly and Shannon, who have sacrificed a great deal to provide her with good equipment and loving support. But she is also thankful for the support from her younger sister Kellcy, herself a two-time champion in dirt karts. “Kellcy is my biggest fan,” says Bell. She is also grateful to her sponsors; K. Bell Tile & Marble, Sciarroni Bros. Racing, K. Dub Creative Web & Graphic Design, NGK Spark Plugs, McBride Machine, Bell Racing Helmets, Joe the Chromer, Benny's Auto Painting, Tires 4 You and Ken Barrette. But if Bell’s racing career should somehow not pan out, she plans to get her nursing credential and apply to become a Care Flight nurse. She has delayed starting classes at Western Nevada College in order to participate in the Drive for Diversity program, and plans to enter school in the spring semester. But whatever the future holds, here is a young woman with the will to succeed and great confidence in herself and her abilities. Her whole philosophy of life is wrapped up in one word that is emblazoned on the front of her racing helmet—“Believe.” |