KV Racing Technology announced it will field a car for IndyCar veteran Townsend Bell, sponsored by Herbalife, at the Indianapolis 500. Bell will drive the No. 8 Herbalife – KV Racing Technology Dallara-Honda beginning the second week of qualifying. He will join Paul Tracy and Mario Moraes on the team co-owned by Kevin Kalkhoven and Jimmy Vasser.

“I am pleased to announce that Townsend Bell and Herbalife will be joining KV Racing Technology for the 2009 Indianapolis 500,” said Kalkhoven. “Townsend is a proven talent who will provide valuable experience and knowledge to the team during the month of May. I also want to welcome and thank Herbalife for joining our effort. Herbalife is an outstanding company and we appreciate their support of Townsend and KVRT.”

Bell, a 34-year-old American, will be making his third start at the Brickyard. Last year, he qualified 12th and finished 10th.

“I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Herbalife for the chance to compete with KV Racing Technology at this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said Bell. “Turning back the clock to 2001, Jimmy was my teammate in my first Champ Car event. Now, I have the honor of racing for him and that is very special. I really want to express my gratitude to Herbalife for their support. Without Herbalife this would not be possible. I have been using Herbalife products for over a year now and have never felt better. I am proud to lead Herbalife’s ‘Mission for Nutrition’ on the racetrack.”

Bell was the Indy Lights Rookie of the Year and championship runner-up in 2000. The following year he captured the Indy Lights title. He also made his Champ Car debut in 2001 contesting two races for Patrick Racing. He tested for BAR-Honda and the Jaguar Formula 1 teams in 2003.

Bell made his IndyCar Series debut in 2004, competing in 10 events for Panther Racing. Bell made seven starts in 2008 with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing with a best finish of eighth in Richmond.

“I am very pleased to have Townsend and Herbalife join KV Racing Technology,” said KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser. “Townsend has experience in IndyCars and at the Speedway which will benefit KVRT as we go through our program in preparation for the Indy 500. Also, with Herbalife on board I think the entire team will benefit by using their products during the long hours we put in during the month of May.”