Southern 100 Racing is deeply saddened on receiving the news of the death of Ian Bell, whilst racing in the second Sidecar TT on Friday 10th June.

Ian made his Southern 100 debut in 1979, finishing third in the Solo Championship race, returning each year and finally took the prestigious Solo
Championship title in 1987.

A racing accident curtailed his ‘solo’ career and the Bedlington man returned ten-years later, in 1997 as a Sidecar driver taking second place in the Sidecar race.

Twelve months later he finished second in the Sidecar Championship race.

1999 was to see the popular sidecar driver, with Neil Carpenter in the chair take the Sidecar Championship race, becoming the first competitor in the history of the Southern 100, to win both the Solo and Sidecar Championship titles to date.

Ian and Neil retained the coveted Sidecar Championship title in 2000.

In 2009 with son Carl installed as passenger, Ian took his third Sidecar Championship title and Carl’s first. 

The father and son pairing have competed successfully each year since taking third in the Championship race in 2015 and were looking forward to being at the Southern 100 this July.

Sadly this will not now be the happening.

Ian & Carl Bell - Southern 100 - 2015
(Clare Freestone)

Southern 100 Racing Secretary George Peach said: 

Ian was a popular solo rider when he first rode at the Southern 100 in 1979 and soon made a name for himself, especially when he claimed the Solo Championship in 1987.

‘After a break of ten years, he made his Sidecar debut as a driver and once again showed his prowess around the Billown Course taking three Sidecar Championships in total.

‘Ian, along with his son Carl were one of the most popular Sidecar crews in the Billown Paddock, both with the knowledgeable Sidecar enthusiasts, fans and organisers - always cheerful, even when matters were not going to plan.

‘As organisers, we were looking forward to welcoming Ian and Carl to this year’s Southern 100 - sadly this is now not to be.’


Southern 100 Racing and all involved with the Billown Course wish to extend their deepest sympathy to Ian’s wife Trudi, his Children Carl and Rachel and all family and friends at this very sad time. R.I.P.