 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.” |
Mackena Bell Motorsports has announced that due to a scheduling conflict, their #11 K. Bell Tile & Marble late model will not attend the All American Classic at All American Speedway on October 10th & 11th. HOWEVER, the team has ADDED the Roseville Toyota/Ward Land Management & Development Late Model 100 two-weeks later on October 24th & 25th. This event will begin on Friday 10/24 with open practice from 3:15-4:00pm. A following practice will begin at 5:45-6:15 and Qualifying will start at 8:00pm sharp. The Top 20 qualifiers will be locked into the Feature Event, while 18 cars will run the B Feature with 4 transferring. On Saturday, 10/25, open practice will begin at 12:30-1:00. The 20-lap B Feature will take place at 3:00pm and the Main Event Feature at 7:00pm. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for this 2-day event as it will be the last Late Model race of the season at All American Speedway in Roseville, CA. For this NASCAR Whelen series rookie driver, her season ended with an 8th place final points standing of the 45 drivers included on the Driver/Points roster. With 18 starts, she managed 11 top 10's, 3 top 5's and a pole position after the invert. Her final standings placed her in the top 25 late model drivers in the state of California and allowed her to break into the Top 200 drivers nationally as posted on NASCAR.com as of 9/5/08. If you are interested in attending both days, the Hilton Garden Inn, located at 1951 Taylor Road in Roseville is the host hotel. You may contact them at (916) 773-7171. See YOU at the track!! |
 United States Senator Harry Reid contacted Mackena Bell to congratulate her on her successful 2008 Nascar Whelen season. (see letter under PHOTO icon) In a letter dated August 14th and received September 10th, Reid noted that he was pleased to hear that Bell was doing well within the NASCAR Whelen points series at All American Speedway and sent Bell his best wishes for continued success. Bell, who will be in Washington D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration in January 2009, is looking forward to a luncheon with the Senator and the opportunity to talk politics. "I'm very excited to be voting during this election and even more excited to be witnessing such history making candidates. In a sport which demands sponsorship support, I'm hopeful that the economic situation will turn around and that the U.S. can get back on their feet and people can return to the lives they once knew." Bell, who was once quoted in the Nevada Appeal as a Democrat says she is undecided at this point in the election. She continued by saying that she has taking the time to learn and read more about both candidates and since the announcement of both Vice Presidential candidates, is learning as much as possible and not ready to cast her vote until she is certain her vote is made with complete understanding of each party. "All us kids that turned 18 this year have an opportunity of a life time in electing our first African-American President or the countries first female Vice President. It's an exciting time and I'm happy to be a part of it. I appreciate the Senators wishes, I look forward to meeting him in January and I intend to make the State of Nevada proud of me in the years ahead." |
When Mackena Bell arrived to All American Speedway in mid March for her first practice session in her family owned #11 NASCAR Whelen series late model, she was eager to prove herself to those around her and had some season goals she was determined to achieve. In a summer which brought this young female up another rung on the racing ladder, Bell's determination was evident from the first night out as week-after-week she battled with the big teams, the heavy hitters and the past track Champions of the series. With a season best finish of 4th, Bell found herself able to check-off all of her early 2008 rookie goals, including a Top 5 race finish, a top 4 qualifying effort, a Trophy Dash run and a Top 10 final points standing. However, Bell says the obvious goal was a win, a goal Bell was not able to obtain. "Any race car driver that doesn't want to win, shouldn't be a race car driver," said Bell smiling. "It was difficult this season knowing that we had good equipment, but not great equipment like the others. I know what I'm capable of doing in a race car and knowing that if I crashed the car I could potentially be out for the remainder of the season, changed the way I raced and ultimately cost me positions that I know I would have fought for had the circumstances been different." After missing four late model point races, Bell still managed to finish her rookie season with a solid 8th place points standing. In addition, she was able to break into the Top 200 late model drivers in the nation wide NASCAR Whelen series standings and the Top 25 late model drivers in the State of California. Mackena says she couldn't have done any of it without the support of her family, friends and her Mackena Bell Motorsports team. "The crew never gave up on me, even when I was too hard on them. All of us shared the same desire to run hard and finish up front and it showed each time we checked-off another goal. I'm very appreciative to each of them for giving up their summer weekends and feel very thankful to be surrounded by such great friends. When you have a passion for this sport like I do, there is nothing else you'd rather be doing, and no place else you'd rather be. It's that simple for me and they supported that." With the season now under wraps, I asked Mackena what her plans were for 2009. "I want to keep driving!" she said without hesitation. "I'm hoping that the economic situation of our country will be different next season and that more sponsors will be willing to participate. I have also applied for the 2009 NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and will be starting my college nursing program in the Spring. With on-line courses and my dedication to do whatever it takes to keep moving forward, I'm excited for 2009 and look forward to all the new possibilities it may bring me." As the summer comes to an end, Bell will run a final Legends car race in Madera, CA., on September 20th and is also qualified for the October Legends Nationals in Minnesota. Bell will then return to All American Speedway in mid October for the 2-day All American Classic show. Shortly after, she will return to her dirt kart roots in November for the winter season in Red Bluff, CA. ""The thought of not racing doesn't cross my mind. If there is a track and I can get to it, I'll be racing! You have to keep your reaction skills and competitive nature on the surface, so taking time off from racing... well that just isn't in my vocabulary." As with every interview, it is difficult not to feel the passion and excitement that this sport brings to this young driver. She is not only a female talent but a beautiful young lady who undoubtedly has a bright and successful future ahead of her. I thank Mackena for her candidness throughout the season and for making me a NASCAR Whelen series fan! |
All American Speedway officials have made the decision to penalize a driver for rough driving during the final laps of the August 23, 2008 race. Because of this decision, Mackena Bell Motorsports was bumped from an 8th place position, to a 7th place finish. As a reminder, this Labor Day weekend will be the final race for Mackena Bell Motorsports at All American Speedway. Be sure to keep an eye on future news as the team is considering runs at other tracks during the months of September and October, 2008. See YOU at the track! |
Mackena Bell in her K. Bell Tile & Marble #11 Late Model started her Saturday morning supporting the talents of her younger sister and past dirt karting champion, Kellcy, at a basketball tournament in nearby Citrus Heights, CA. After taking in the first game where she loudly cheered on the younger Bell who plays in the primary point guard position, Bell headed roughly 15 minutes to nearby Roseville, CA. for race #16 of the All American Speedway Late Model schedule. Buckling in for the first of two practice sessions, Bell would sit 8th during the first session and 11th during the second of the 18 car field. "The car felt too tight, so my Mackena Bell Motorsports crew made some adjustments before I hit the track for qualifying." Posting a 14.255 lap at 84.180 mph, Bell would sit 11th in the qualifying order and immediately radio'd to her crew that something was still not right with her car. "I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but I knew it was coming from the back right rear of the car." As the team went to work to find the problem, they discovered that a primary bolt had fallen out of the right rear shock. When All American Speedway officials agreed to let Bell run 2 more practice laps, she posted a 14.001 time. That 14.001 lap would have placed Bell 5th in the qualifying order for the night and placed her on the pole for the main event when an invert of 5 was drawn. "You win some you lose some," said Bell. "I was just thankful that they allowed me to return to the track so that we could be sure we'd found the problem." As Bell lined-up for the main event, she would start inside row 6 in the 11th place position. When the green flag fell, Bell put the pedal to the metal and started her move to the front. Battling with the #50 of Gary Glenn before he spun into the infield near lap 30, Bell continued forward and in a race that was spaced out and had minimal cautions, would cross the line in 8th place, behind female competitor Katie Hagar who had started on the pole. This finish bumps Bell into the Top 8 in NASCAR Whelen points and roughly 50 points out of the 7th spot. "The car was fast but we wasted too many laps trying to get around the slower lap traffic at the beginning of the race. I'll add another Top 10 to my finishes this season and look to next weekend for a better finish." This weekend Bell will participate in a "Ladies Night at the Track" where she will race in the spectator division for the fans. These cars can be rented for $300.00 each weekend and give the fans an opportunity to buckle in to a racecar and get some track time themselves. With lady drivers from the late model, bomber, street stocks and modified divisions, it is sure to be a fan favorite! An autograph signing session will take place before and after the event. In addition to Bell's late model run this weekend, she will also head North to Ukiah, CA., on Sunday morning to run with the Legends of the Pacific division. A favorite past-time of her's, Bell says she is looking forward to returning to her old stomping grounds and reconnecting with past competitors. "Whenever I have the opportunity to support the Legends of the Pacific, I take it." Bell will be driving the #25 owned by her Crew Chief, Dave Sciarroni. Bell adds that the extra seat time in any race car is always advantagous and when her schedule allows, she jumps at every opportunity. Be sure to re-visit Mackena's website for all the latest race details after the Labor Day weekend. Until then, Mackena and her entire Mackena Bell Motorsports team wish each of you a happy and safe holiday weekend and hope to see YOU at the track! |
Coming off a weekend that brought Mackena Bell two of her first Top 5 finishes this season, she took another step forward during race #15, qualifying within the top 4 of the 16 car field, running the Trophy Dash and adding yet another Top 5 to her 2008 summer stats. As the Roseville, CA., temperatures passed the 100' degree mark, the track conditions made the car difficult for Bell to handle. In the final practice session of the day, as Bell was exiting the track, she heard the screeching tires of female competitor Kristin Bumbera. Bell assumed she too was experiencing the difficult track conditions. Suddenly over her radio she heard the voice of her father Kelly, informing her that Bumbera had just slammed into the Turn 3 wall. Unbuckling and running for the fence, Bell heard talk that Bumbera's throttle had stuck open and she was unsettled at the amount of time it was taking for Bumbera to exit the car. "I'm very thankful that Kristin was alright," she said. "I could tell by the reaction of the people around me that they feared she might be hurt, so I was relieved to see her finally get out of the car. When you race every weekend and drive home in one piece, it's easy to forget just how dangerous this sport can be." Shortly after the incident, Bell lined-up to qualify and did her best to settle her rattled nerves. Her goal for this weekend's race was to qualify within the Top 4 and make the Trophy Dash, something she had not yet achieved this season. Posting a 4th place standing with a 13.984, 85.811 mph lap, Bell would keep that position throughout all 16 qualifiers and place herself on the pole of the Trophy Dash. Getting a decent start at the green, Bell overdrove the car into Turn 3 and pushed high. When the #61 of Shannon Mansch got underneath her and had Bell side-ways off of Turn 4, Bell settled in behind her and crossed the line 3rd, behind winner Mahwhinney and Mansch. As the track temperatures cooled and the feature event lined-up at 9:15pm, Bell would start inside, second row. During hot laps, Bell radioed to her Crew that the car felt very loose and that she was having a very difficult time keeping it down in the turns. At the green, Bell did her best to tame the K. Bell Tile & Marble #11 ride, but found herself fighting it, lap after lap. With a full moon on the horizon, every driver on the track knew it was going to be a night of "action," and that it was! With numerous caution flags for crashes, a blown motor and even a jack rabbit on the track, Bell managed to make her way through each incident. As the restart line-up would change with each caution, Bell found herself on the high-line several times and fell back as far as 10th before lap 30. With 20 laps to go, Bell continued to radio to her crew that the car was incredibly loose and difficult to drive. "The car was the worst it has ever been," said Bell. "When I stepped on the gas it went no where. The tires just spun and the backend wanted to come around on me. As crazy as it was, it kept me up on the wheel and I have to say that my dirt experience definitely paid off tonight!" As the final caution of the night flew with just 8 laps to go, Bell was sitting 4th and noticed that the 4,000+ spectators were on their feet. "I could actually hear the fans booing inside the car," said Bell. "I knew that full moon was a sign of the night," she said laughing. As leaders Harraka and Mansch took the green, Harraka had spun and the officials had allowed him to return to his outside, front row position. As the crowd continued to let the officials know that they were unhappy with their decision, the officials ultimately sent Harraka back to 7th place within the field. When the final restart flag flew, Bell managed to keep Harraka behind her until the white flag lap. Taking the checkers in the 5th place position, Bell would add yet another Top 5 to her racing resume and load the car back into the race trailer in one piece. Not something several of the other drivers could claim. "It was one of the craziest nights ever," said Bell. "Congratulations to Shannon Mansch on her win and I'll take another Top 5 for the season." With only two races left on Mackena Bell Motorsports' calendar, Bell says she is shooting for a Top 3 in the final races and hopes to keep her Top 10 points finish come the final race. Continue to show your support by joining her during Race #16 this Saturday night, August 23rd in Roseville, CA. For race times and further details, visit the All American Speedway website at www.allamericanspeedway.com and see YOU at the track! |
 As the youngest female in the field, 18 year-old Mackena Bell made an impressive step forward in the NASCAR Whelen series late model division Saturday night when she posted two Top 5 finishes during the All American Speedway - Toyota TRD Twin 50's event. When afternoon practice session numbers placed Bell in the middle of the 16 car field, she was determined to lay down a solid number in qualifying. When she drew a 2 for qualifying order, she knew being the first on the track, in the heat of the day would be challenging. Turning up the heat in the K. Bell Tile and Marble #11 machine, Bell posted a 13.947, 86.039 mph lap which kept her in the top 4 of the field until the final two qualifiers. Rounding out the top 6, Bell found herself on the pole for the first time this season, when an inversion of 6 was pulled for the first set of 50's. "I'm not gonna lie," said Bell. "I was a nervous wreck! I walked myself right over to John Moore and jokingly told him not to take my back bumper off too quickly. He smiled at me, told me to get up on the wheel and drive it as hard as I could. So that's what I did." Leading the race for just two laps and then falling as far back as 9th while being hung-out on the high line, Bell was determined to bring home that Top 5 finish she has been struggling to conquer. As she rallied back passing Shannon Mansch with 3 laps to go, Bell crossed the finish line behind Paul Harraka, John Moore and Laura Hayes, posting a 4th place finish and her first Top 5 of the season. "It was a great feeling," said Bell. "My Mackena Bell Motorsports team has worked so hard this season to be competitive with the bigger teams and I was finally able to prove to them that we have what it takes." With her 4th place finish in the books, Bell found herself yet again on the front row when an inversion of 5 was drawn for the second set of 50's. Lining-up next to veteran racer, Shannon Mansch, Bell said she felt more comfortable with her front row position and raced hard to keep herself in the front of the field. In a race that saw several cautions, Bell ran strong on worn tires. At lap 50 with the checkers in the air, she managed to round out the Top 6, only to learn later that the 5th place finisher had been disqualified, bumping Bell into her second Top 5 finish of the evening. After missing two races of the All American series, Bell currently sits 9th in NASCAR Whelen points at All American Speedway. She is just outside the Top 250 drivers on the NASCAR National list of Top 500 Late Model drivers, and is roughly 90 points out from entering the California Top 20. She is also featured in this months edition of Speedway Illustrated Magazine and was recently selected as a finalist in the Sports Illustrated - Faces in the Crowd column. "Every weekend brings me valuable experience," said Bell. "Going into the season I made some goals for myself, as simple as they may seem to others. I wanted a Top 5 finish and a Top 10 points standing. So far . . . so good," said the smiling teen. Bell will return to All American Speedway this weekend, August 16th for KIDS NIGHTS at the races. Each child under the age of 12 will be admitted FREE and will receive a soda and hot dog as well. With only 3 races left for Mackena Bell Motorsports, make it a point to come out and support her! Mackena Bell Motorsports is sponsored by: 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. |
 Finally landing her first Top 5 of the season, Mackena Bell is forced to settle for a 6th place finish on paper after a "transponder technicality." Starting her day with mid-pack numbers during the practice sessions, Bell qualified 8th of the 13 cars and started the main event outside, row 4. Getting a nice start at the green, Bell challenged her way forward and narrowly escaped disaster when fellow female drivers Shannon Mansch, Katie Hager and Kristin Bumbera tangled, sending Bumbera to the pits and Mansch to the infield. When another crash unfolded within just a matter of laps, Bell braked hard and headed for the bottom of turn 2. Pounded by the 33y of Juan Pitta from behind, Bell said, "You have to drive looking forward, not at the bumper of those in front of you! Looking at the excessive damage to his car and mine, it's evident he never hit the brakes." With evident damage to the rear quarter panel of the car, Mackena's spotter made his accessment from the spotters stand and okay'd her to continue. Coming off of turn 4, track officials directed Bell back into the 5th place position and she again took the green. Racing hard to hold off the challenging #61 of Shannon Mansch who had returned to the field a lap down, Bell's spotter radio'd to her to let the lap car by to limit the tire ware. After the pass, Bell stayed glued to the bumper of Mansch until the checkered flag, where she thought she had crossed in the 5th place position. To her surprise, when she arrived to tech, she was told that the transponders had noted technical problems in scoring which effected the final restart line-up. The result, was Bell being scored 6th and Mansch not being noted as a lap down. "We knew that wasn't right," said Bell. "We reviewed our race video and immediately took it to Track Director, Frank Vincent. As he reviewed the video, he agreed that Mansch was indeed a lap down, but said I would have to settle for a 6th place on paper due to a "transponder technicality". I'm still shaking my head over it." As the crew and driver digested a disappointing track decision, Bell's crew chief informed her that she was lucky to have finished the race at all. In examining the car damage, it was discovered that the cords of the back left rear tire were showing through. "I was very lucky to have made the 50-laps and by the looks of the tire, I wouldn't have made many more. I'll take the 6th and move on to next week." Bell will return this Saturday night to All American Speedway for the Toyota TRD 100 Lapper, where she will once again try for a Top 5 finish. "I'm not gonna give up!" said Bell. "I may not have the unlimited parts and knowledge that the other teams have, but I have a team and they have a driver that together are making their way through a learning season. I'm still having a blast every weekend and for me that's all I need to remind myself that there is no place I'd rather be on a Saturday night." Join Mackena this weekend for the NASCAR Whelen Series - Toyota TRD 100 lap event. Race times can be viewed at allamericanspeedway.com. See YOU at the track! |
 Back in the drivers seat after a 3~week hiatus which included a Journey concert and a vacation to the state of Montana where she took in a Legends race midwestern style, Bell was eager to return to All American Speedway for Race #12 of the NASCAR Whelen ~ All American series. With several changes made to the car, Bell was anxious to see if the car and the driver would connect. "The car was just a tick tight during the first session of qualifying, but I was having a hard time getting the car through 3 and 4 smoothly." As the crew made a few minor changes in hopes of a smoother transition, Bell returned to the pit area after session two complaining that the car was now much too loose and that she was having trouble taming the #11 K. Bell Tile & Marble machine. "Sometimes it can be the biggest challenge of the day trying to articulate to the team what I'm feeling and what I want to feel behind the wheel. Saturday was one of those days." As Bell entered the track to qualify, track temperatures were excessive and after an Enduro race the weekend before, the track was not taking rubber. The result was an 8th place effort by Bell of the 16 car field. With an invert of 6 pulled, Bell would start the main event outside row 4. As the green flag flew, Bell radio'd to her Spotter that the car felt faster than ever. When the 50-lap race ran wire to wire, Bell said "I needed a few more laps!" Finishing 7th at the checkers, Bell continued saying, "The car felt great but when you have that driver that can't pick a line and you're doing your best to race without any form of contact, what can you do? The crew took some great notes and if we can put the car right back to where it was this weekend, I'm confident that Top 5 is right around the corner for me." With the month of August supporting a race every Saturday evening and two races cancelled during the month of September, Bell is hopeful that a Top 5 can be added to her resume as well as a final Top 10 points standing. "I want those watching to know I'm serious about this racing thing. I know there are plenty of us out there focused on the same dream but my focus has never been clearer. The sky's the limit, right?" As the smiling teen winks at me and ends our interview, she reminds me that when a woman sets her mind to something, there is little that can stand in the way. Getting to know Mackena as I have, I am certain that this young teen can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. In future news, keep your eyes open for a new look to the Mackena Bell Motorsports website. Mackena assures me that the layout and content will be more reader friendly and that the websites launch is within the month. Stay tuned! |
"Don't Stop Believing" . . . Those three little words have been fuel for the 18-year old Nevada native for the past 6-years and if you dial her cell phone number, you will hear those words from the 80's band, Journey, playing in your ear as well. So it was no surprise to me when I learned the reason why Bell was absent at the July 12th, NASCAR All American Series race. You guessed it, a Journey concert. "When I hear that song, it's Mackena's," said Shannon Bell. "We had the opportunity for some great seats and knowing that she doesn't miss a race for just anything, I felt confident in purchasing them as a graduation gift as I knew this would be one of those anythings she would agree to." Now missing two races of the season, Bell has fallen to the 13th position in late model points, but still less than 30 points from a Top 10 position. Bell says she is happy with her season thus far and is still focused on a Top 5 finish before season ends. "We had a couple really great weeks, qualified well and finished well. Then we fell off a bit. We've made some new contacts, made some small but important changes and I'm excited to get back in the car this weekend and see what I can do with them." Coming off a weekend that was full of controversy in the late model division, Bell says she hasn't been to a track yet in her 6 years that hasn't had some of that. "You listen, you learn and you continue turning left each weekend," said the teen. "It's all a part of why I love this sport like I do and when you have 20 drivers all focused on the same flag, stuff is going to happen. You have to keep an open mind and keep keepin' on!" This weekend at All American Speedway located in downtown Roseville, California, it is "Fan Appreciation Night". With beautiful weather on tap, load up the kids, fill up the tank and make the drive over the hill to support our hometown girl. "I love the fans!" said Bell. "Those in Roseville have really made me feel welcome, but the fans that follow me from here over to there... they are the best! I plan to make an appearance in the grandstands and mingle a little. It's always a lot of fun." For track directions and race times, visit the All American Speedway website at www.allamericanspeedway.com. See YOU at the track! |
PLEASE BE PATIENT WITH US AS WE ARE GETTING READY TO LAUNCH MACKENA'S NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE! WE ARE CERTAIN YOU WILL LIKE ITS FRIENDLY FORMAT AND EASY NAVIGATIONAL LAYOUT. FOR RECENT RACE RESULTS, PLEASE CLICK ON THE RACING ICON. MACKENA AND HER MOTORSPORTS CREW WILL RETURN TO ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY, JULY 26TH. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE AND SEE YOU AT THE TRACK! |
Correct your calendars! Two NASCAR Whelen series races have been removed from the racing schedule during the month of September as posted on All American Speedways latest website update. SEPTEMBER 20th & 27TH Also, please see the schedule for the newly added FAN APPRECIATION & KIDS NIGHT races also posted on the website! |
 At nearly the half-way mark of the NASCAR Whelen 2008 calendar, Mackena Bell adds another Top 10 finish to her season and places herself into the Top 10 in points. Finding herself 5th in the early afternoon practice sessions, Mackena was eager for the night to begin. When she drew an early qualifying position, she knew the track would be at its worst for her qualifying effort. Posting a 14.280 second lap at 84.033 mph, Bell would sit 11th in the 17 car field. "I was hoping for better!" said Bell. "The track definitely got faster as the session went on, but what can you do? You go out there, start 11th and hope for the best." With the Toyota TRD 100 Lapper on the schedule for the nights event, Bell hoped that the 100 laps would allow her the time she needed to make her way to the front of the field. Lining up inside 6th row, she ran strong in the early laps and battled with the 33y of Juan Pitta for the third weekend in a row. "Juan and I are pretty evenly matched and week after week seem to battle for positions. Although our cars are similar our driving styles are not. Pitta likes to beat on me rather than passing me and this weekend I let him know I had had enough." As 20+ laps of great racing with the #21 of Greg Potts unfolded, Bell went for the pass out of Turn 4. When a three-wide drag race down the front stretch with Pitta and Potts developed, Pitta stayed into the back of Bell and she was forced to lift to avoid a crash. When Bell was asked to comment on the situation, she firmly said "I really have no comment. I guess I had better step-up to the plate or continue to get pushed out of the way!" Finding herself 14th at the restart flag, Bell rallied back but had trouble making her way to the front. "The car got incredibly tight and I was having a really hard time keeping it down." On lap 81, Bell was shown to have layed down her fastest lap with a 12.956 at 92.620 mph but is certain that this information is incorrectly posted on mylaps.com. "That's not possible, although I like the way it sounds," said Bell. "The score board was not working right all night and a 12 second lap would be insane!" As she came to the checkered flag, Bell was sitting 9th and was 1 of only 10 drivers to finish the race on the lead lap. "I was hopeful for a Top 5 tonight but it just wasn't meant to be. We'll be back next week with some small changes to both the car and it's driver," she says laughing. "Hopefully I can give my hard working crew that Top 5 we've been trying for." With race #10 - Public Safety Night slated for this upcoming weekend, Mackena says she is optimistic. "Week after week you may not finish where you'd like to be, but if you are a real race car driver you keep going back, you keep challenging yourself and you keep diggin' for that better finish! It's certainly addicting, but at least it's a safe (for the most part) addiction!" |
Thursday afternoon, Mackena Bell, her family and good friend Angila Golik attended the 2008 Annual Community Awards banquet hosted by the Nevada Appeal newspaper. Bell, who was nominated for Athlete/Sportsperson of the Year was not the recipient of the award but was surrounded by great company including her Pre-School teacher, Mrs. Rosetta McFadden from Kinderland Preschool who was nominated for Mentor of the Year. "What a great experience," said Bell. "I had no idea this event was so large and still have no idea who nominated me, but I'd like to thank them as I felt very honored to be in such great company." With awards being presented from Humanitarian of the Year to Organization of the Year, Bell says sharing the nomination with school athlete's Caleb Carter and winner Zack Rispin was quite an honor. "Congratulations to Caleb for his nomination and to Zack for winning the award. I'm certain that both of them have great futures ahead of them." With Certificates of Commendation from United States Senators Harry Reid & John Ensign and Congressman Dean Heller, Bell adds those to her ever growing portfolio and looks forward to meeting the Senators during a by invitation only breakfast in January 2009, when she visits Washington, D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration. |
 As the Mackena Bell Motorsports team pulled into All American Speedway for the AT&T “Rumble at Roseville 150” (150-Lapper), the 106' temperatures were an early sign of the heat filled day to come. Rolling out the #11, K. Bell Tile & Marble machine, the crew did their best to stay cool and prepared Mackena for the first set of practice laps where she jumped to the top of the boards posting a 4th place effort of the 22 car field. When qualifying began late afternoon, Bell along with other drivers could feel the track temperature heat taking its toll on the tires. Posting an 8th place qualifying effort, Bell would start outside, row 4 for the first set of 75 laps and felt comfortable with this mid-pack position. As on-track introductions began, Bell was surrounded with loud applause and cheers from fans and spectators and she showed her appreciation with a wave and smile. Firing up the motor at the direction of the crowd, Bell began her move forward as soon as the green flag fell, but within 15 laps noticed the engine temperature light come on. As she did her best to run strong while keeping an eye on the rising gauge, lap 24 brought a very loose race car coming out of turn 2. "I felt something break loose in the rear of the car. It was hard to steer and the backend just wanted to come around on me. When I got on the gas, the tires would just spin." Bell's Crew Chief, Dave Sciarroni, did his best to keep Bell on the track while analyzing the car from the spotters tower. "Let's get as many laps as we can and hope for a yellow," encouraged Sciarroni. When the race continued without any yellows, the car became harder to handle and Bell made the decision to exit on lap 35. When the crew took the left rear tire off the car, they realized that the drive hub had broke. Finding a used hub which needed some minor 'at track' fabricating and a wheel adapter plate, the crew went to work to get Bell back together in time for the second set of 75's. Scored with 35 laps in the first event, Bell would sit 18th in the final standings and start near the back of the pack in the final event. Buckled in tight, Bell's mom Shannon reminded her that if the car didn't feel just perfect, she needed to exit the track. "I'll admit I was a little uncomfortable knowing we had fabricated something to make it work, but I also felt confident that she would do what she felt comfortable doing and that the crew was confident in their repair. I held my breath and hoped for the best." Within the first few laps, Bell radio'd that the car felt good. That was evident as she began pressuring those in front of her and making her way through the field. At midway she was sitting 11th and was focused on that Top 5 she had just missed the previous weekend. At the checkers Bell would finish 7th, but on the final scoring sheet she would finish 6th, as post-race inspection found the #71 car disqualified "What a roller coaster of a day!" said Bell. "I was sick to my stomach when I thought we might be done for the day. There is nothing worse than being at the track and not being on the track! The two just don't go together in my brain," she says laughing. "I'm glad we got to run and I thank all of my crew for their unending hard work throughout the day. I'm so lucky to have such a great team of guys." Bumping herself up the points ladder one more rung, Bell currently sits just 10 points out of 10th place. With the Toyota TRD 100~lapper on schedule for this weekend, Bell says she loves the long lapped races. "The more seat time I get, the better I'll be. I'm focused on a Top 5 finish and I think we are just laps away from getting one. I'm excited to see what we can do this weekend and looking forward to it." View Mackena's Polaroids page for newly added photo's and her RACING page for a newly added July race. Check out All American Speedway's website (www.allamericanspeedway.com) for race times and details! See YOU at the track! |
Mackena Bell has been nominated for a hometown community award - Sportsman of the Year. Hosting the event will be emcees State Senator Mark Amodei and Western Nevada College Vice President Helaine Jesse. "I was surprised when the Nevada Appeal notified me, but very honored," said Bell. "I'm not sure who nominated me or what other candidates I'm running against, but just being nominated is exciting all in itself." The winner of this prestigious award will be announced on Thursday, June 26th in a banquet style setting at the Carson City Nugget. Check back next week to see if this young lady has added yet another award to her growing resume. |
 Focused and determined to turn some heads this season, Mackena Bell did just that when she posted her fastest lap of the season with a 13.851, 86.635 mph qualifying effort. This effort placed her 6th on the qualifying board of the 21 car field, in event #8 of the NASCAR Whelen Series. Heading into the afternoon sitting 14th in the points standings of the 36 car roster, Bell had a different confidence than in weeks past. "I'm reading the car better, I'm feeling things I didn't feel earlier in the season and the Mackena Bell Motorsports team is really coming together. Our results are showing that and people are noticing." Lining up outside row 3 for the feature event, Bell had a great start at the green and raced side-by-side with friend and female competitor Laura Hayes for several laps. By lap 14 Bell had fallen in behind the #22 of Hayes and the top 6 had a five-car-length lead on the back of the field. When a yellow was thrown on lap 20, Bell had worked her way into the Top 5. With a Texas-style restart, Bell was forced to take the outside position and had a difficult time getting down to the bottom line at the green. "We fell all the way back to 13th," said Bell. "Dave (her spotter) was doing his best to get me cleared to the bottom line, but we couldn't get down." As the laps counted down, Bell raced hard and fought back to regain those lost positions. By lap 39 she was back in the Top 5 and with just 11 laps left, began battling with the 33y of Juan Pitta. Coming off of turn 3, Pitta got Bell loose and in a sideways drift Bell entered turn 4. "It was crazy!" said the excited Bell. "I stayed in it and wasn't about to lift this weekend! I was able to keep myself straight down the front stretch, but Pitta drove me hard in turn 1 and got underneath me. There was definitely some beating and banging going on, but I held my own and it felt great to drive the wheels off the car and be at the front of the field!" On the final lap, Bell had rallied back yet again, and gave Pitta a run to the checkers. "I'll take the 6th," said Bell. "We definitely had a Top 5 or better car this weekend and those around me knew it. It would've been great to put my first Top 5 in the books but since we couldn't, it gives me something to shoot for next weekend." Bumping herself into the Top 12 in points, Bell sits just 8 points out of a Top 10 standing. With All American Speedway adding a 150-lapper, double points race to the June schedule, Bell and her Mackena Bell Motorsports team will head back to Roseville this weekend (6/21) to see how they fare in the lengthy lapped event. Check out All American Speedway's website (www.allamericanspeedway.com) for race times and details, visit Mackena's Guestbook and click on her Journal page for her latest entry. See YOU at the track! |
 Mackena Bell is having a week that in her words "is the best of the best!" Graduating on Saturday morning from Carson High School, Bell received her diploma and immediately headed for All American Speedway in Roseville, CA for race number seven of the NASCAR All American Series. Qualifying with her best effort thus far this season, Bell posted a 9th place standing of the 19 car field and added her 4th Top 10 finish to her six race resume. "It was a great day!" said Bell. "I couldn't have wished for more." Starting inside 5th row, Bell was immediately up on the wheel and headed toward the front of the field. By lap 29, Bell was sitting in 7th place and was battling hard with 6-year veteran driver, Kristin Bumbera. After a clean pass by Bell on the back straight-away, Bumbera made contact with the #11 machine. Both females held their line going into turn 3, but Bumbera continued to drive Bell high out of 4. "I had to lift or she was gonna put me in the front stretch wall," said Bell. "She and I battled during the last race and I thought we had it all worked out, but maybe we don't. Although me lifting cost me two positions, I kept my car in one piece and I'll get my 7th place finish next weekend," she says smiling. With her unending upbeat attitude, Bell enjoyed a post-graduation party Sunday afternoon with 160 family and friends. Turning 18 today (June 9th), Bell says it has been a week of great experiences and not one that she will soon forget. "I've had the privilege and great opportunity to communicate with some wonderful people this week. With journalists from the East coast to the West and with fans that support me from week to week, I really think I'm the luckiest girl alive!" With coverage this past week on NASCAR.COM, Speed TV.com, in the Sacramento Bee, Reno-Gazette Journal, Nevada Appeal and this morning in the USA Today, Mackena says there is no need to make a wish when blowing out her birthday candles this evening. "I get to do what I love each weekend. I have a family and great friends that support me and for right now, there is nothing more I'd wish for." Be sure to check out Mackena's racing schedule and make plans to support All American Speedway by attending a NASCAR Whelen All American series race this summer. Post your comments in her Guestbook and click on her Journal page for her latest entry. |
 After her late model race in Roseville, CA., on Saturday evening, Mackena Bell Motorsports loaded up the race trailer early Sunday morning and headed north to Ukiah Speedway for a National Qualifiers event in the INEX 600 Legends Division. Coming off of a 2nd place finish just a few weeks ago, Bell's crew rolled out the #25 owned by Mackena's late model crew chief, Dave Sciarroni to see what they could do on one of Mackena's favorite past~time raceways. In her first hot lap session, Bell posted a 2nd place effort and a 5th place effort of the 27 car field. Lining up to qualify, Bell rose to 4th place on the board and firmly placed herself on the pole of the Trophy Dash. With a great start out of Turn 4, Bell got the hole shot, only to over drive-it coming into Turn 1, pushing high. As the first through third place qualifiers left Bell on the high side, Bell finished a frustrating fourth. "Turn 1 was there before I realized it," she said. "I guess I thought I was still at the Roseville track or something..." she says with a giggle. As a 6 was pulled as the invert number, Bell found herself lining up outside second row for the main event. Running a hard and consistent race, Bell crossed the checkered flag 3rd overall and 1st in the Pro Division. This finish earned Bell an invitation to the INEX 600 Legends Nationals which will be held at Elko Speedway in Minnesota, October 2nd through the 4th, 2008. "It was a good, strong run," said Mackena. "Both Dave and my Dad made some small changes to the car and they paid off. The motor runs strong and I had some great restarts. Overall, it was a pretty darn good weekend. Anytime I can race two nights in a row, I'm loving it!" With no racing scheduled for May 31st, Mackena will return to Roseville, CA., on June 7th. Check back for those race details in the weeks to come. See YOU at the track! |
 After missing race #5 of the NASCAR Whelen Series to attend her Senior Prom last weekend, Mackena Bell was ready to return to the drivers seat for race #6 at All American Speedway. Increasing her lap times from the afternoon practice sessions, Bell posted her best qualifying effort of the season, 13th of the 21 car field. Lining up inside 7th row for the main event, Bell was ready at the green and had a nice first lap start. As the race saw some early cautions before lap 25, Bell avoided the mishaps and found herself battling yet again with the #10 of Katie Hagar. For several laps Bell and Hagar shared paint and raced each other hard before Hagar and the #14 of Tony D'Alessandro crashed on Lap 34. As the competitive driving style of this division unfolded, Bell hung tough and leaned back when leaned on. Lap after lap as she watched the field bump and bang, she exchanged positions with several drivers as the laps counted down. "We were all racing hard. That's what we're there to do, it's why we love to drive race cars," said Bell. Staying strong and gaining positions on the #67 and #32, Bell and the #00 of Kristin Bumbera challenged each other. As Bumbera pushed her high and into the wall coming out of Turn 4, Bell held her line down the straight-away. When Bumbera got into Bell coming out of Turn 2, Bell stood firm yet again and sent Bumbera spinning toward the infield. As officials declared rough driving from both girls, they sent them both to the back of the field. "She drove me hard in 4 and I wasn't gonna lift and just let her have it coming out of 2. I've been doing a lot of that to avoid crashing my car, and if I let them push me around, that's exactly what they're gonna do! I don't have the big sponsors to fix a crashed race car from weekend to weekend like a lot of them do, but I'm not about to let them push me out of their way just because they can!" As the 50th lap approached, Bell fought her way back through the field and brought home her third Top 10 finish of the 5 events. "Another Top 10. I'll take it. The car had minor damage to the hood and rear quarter panel, and finally some bumps and bruises on the passenger side! I'll be back on the 7th and ready to race and hopefully we can better our qualifying effort and our final position." With her high school graduation falling on the morning of race #7, Bell says she will collect her diploma and head North to the speedway. "It's gonna be the perfect day," said Mackena. "Graduation and racing all in one day. I'm gonna be one happy girl!" |