Townsend Bell will reunite with Sam Schmidt Motorsports to drive the No. 99 Herbalife car in the Indianapolis 500, the team confirmed. Bell will attempt to earn a spot in the 33-car lineup for a fifth time. Last year, he qualified 10th and finished 16th. In '09, he started 24th and finished fourth.
"Being in competitive equipment has always been important to me in my career," said Bell, the 2001 Indy Lights champion. "With this being the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, I am excited that I'll be returning to the Speedway with a team and sponsor that will allow me to run up front. Partnering with Herbalife allows Sam's team to prepare a great racecar, and I can't wait to climb back in it."
Herbalife is a global nutrition and direct-selling company headquartered in Los Angeles.
"It's a thrill to be partnered again with Herbalife and Townsend Bell for the Indianapolis 500," said Schmidt, who will also field Alex Tagliani and Jay Howard. "This will be the first time competing in the Indy 500 that our team will be returning with the same driver, sponsor and engineering combination. The continuity will be fantastic and, hopefully, we can improve on our great performance last year."