Justin Wilson's latest injury replacement is the last for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing in the final two rounds of the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season. The team confirmed Friday that Townsend Bell will take the reins of the No. 22 entry at Kentucky and Las Vegas. Bell will drive a Valspar-sponsored entry at Kentucky and Dad's Root Beer-backed car at Las Vegas.
“First off, I want to thank Justin for letting me borrow his racecar for these two events and I hope that he is recovering well,” Bell said. “I'm really impressed with the technical commitment that the team has made since Indianapolis to give themselves the best chance for success on the mile-and-a-half ovals, so it will be fun to see that put into action.”
This marks Bell's second stint with the team, as he also drove seven races in a second D&R entry in 2008. His best finish was eighth at Richmond, and he also posted a top-10 finish at that year's Indianapolis 500.
“We've both grown significantly since we worked together in 2008 and we feel Townsend will represent DRR and our partners very well to close out the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series season,” said team co-owner Dennis Reinbold.
Bell has driven at Indianapolis only the last three years, finishing fourth in 2009 for KV Racing, and 16th and 26th the last two years with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
Bell tests Friday at Kentucky Speedway with teammate Ana Beatriz.