Magic Mike Bell 27 May 2020

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

Mike was remembered by a number of people on Twitter so I've taken the liberty of copying the link to the album.

No liberty Peter. it was always my intention/hope that as many people as possible could view the pictures. Do spread the word.

Kind regards,

Bob.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by delta

Sorry Bob,Please go ahead and use the pictures I have posted.

Thanks iain, the album is growing nicely, so remind the family that it is worth keeping an eye on.

Bob

[MGDavid]

Yes of course, use whatever you want.

[S griffin]

Can't wait to see the album when it's finished

[bauble]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

Yes of course, use whatever you want.

Thank you MGD. Happy to add your snap to the collection.

[Tel 911S]

A bit more about Mike .
I believe his parents were both members of the Sporting Car Club of Norfolk , so it was natural that he followed them into motorsport .
I used to do a lot of rallying and Mike was about on a lot of the events in the area , although I don,t remember much about him until we met up in Europe on some International events .
We had a few drinks together when he beat me to win the class on Flanders in 1987 , he did the Tulip [ Tulpenrallye ] in 1988 , & Ypres in 1989 .

I believe that he then sold his Peugeot 205 GTI to Richard Burns , who won the UK GTI championship & afterwards went on the become world rally champion in 2001.

Possibly from 1989 on was when Mike turned to circuit racing which is where everybody knows more about him .

[Peter Mallett]

He told me about the Peugeot because it was rolled into a ball after a biggie. It had an alloy cage and he was musing that it worked as well as a steel cage would have.

[Tel 911S]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

He told me about the Peugeot because it was rolled into a ball after a biggie. It had an alloy cage and he was musing that it worked as well as a steel cage would have.

I am not sure about his cars . He might have had a couple of the GTI s , possibly a 1.6 & a 1.9 . But I was told that ones of his went to Richard Burns .
But it would be a huge stretch of the imagination to credit him with helping to make a British World Rally Champion .

[Peter Mallett]

I believe Mike was part of Ralliart back in the day, if so he would have known Richard.

[bauble]

Suzanne Sears has sent me some great images of 'The Man' which are now in the album, and well worth a look.

Thank you Suzanne.

[midgetman]

Is that some relation to "the" Sears family?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[bauble]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Is that some relation to "the" Sears family?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

I believe so, but some will know for sure.

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by midgetman

Is that some relation to "the" Sears family?

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

Yes

[delta]

Yes Jacks Daughter and a lovely lady .She raced with Mike in a MGB.

[Alfaholic]

Hi Bauble,

I didn't know Mike and only met him briefly at Snetterton where he didn't mind breaking off from trying to fix some form of engine problem to explain to an interested spectator what the problem actually was. I get the idea that he took his motorsport seriouly but believed it should be fun above all. Otherwise why build such a machine as the Escort, then paint it in Norwich City colours and call it the "Lairy Canary".

These are from his 'home' circuit


If these are of any use to you, please feel free to use them on the tribute album. If you want I can email you the original large files.

[John Elwin]

Originally Posted by Alfaholic

Hi Bauble,

I didn't know Mike and only met him briefly at Snetterton where he didn't mind breaking off from trying to fix some form of engine problem to explain to an interested spectator what the problem actually was. I get the idea that he took his motorsport seriouly but believed it should be fun above all. Otherwise why build such a machine as the Escort, then paint it in Norwich City colours and call it the "Lairy Canary".

These are from his 'home' circuit
Attachment 61635 Attachment 61636 Attachment 61637

If these are of any use to you, please feel free to use them on the tribute album. If you want I can email you the original large files.

Not being a football fan I'd never realised that was the reasoning for the colour scheme - and I'm from Norfolk too! I always assumed it was a nod to the 'Hairy Canary' Cobra.

[bauble]

Alfaholic, great shots of Mike, many thanks for letting me add them to the album.

Bob.

[E.B]

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I believe Mike was part of Ralliart back in the day, if so he would have known Richard.

Yes for about 5 years back in the Ralliart WRC days.

[Peter J Horsman]

I feel blessed to have known Mike. Thanks, Mike. Rest in Peace.

[grantp]

Originally Posted by John Elwin

Not being a football fan I'd never realised that was the reasoning for the colour scheme - and I'm from Norfolk too! I always assumed it was a nod to the 'Hairy Canary' Cobra.

As I recall when I first saw the Escort it was the "hairy" canary. Not sure I have a pic to confirm that but will continue checking the back catalogue.

I think the colour scheme may have some influence from its source. Pretty sure Mike said he got it from South Africa.

[Cliff Ryan]

Bob, I've sent you a PM as Marcus Pye would like to use one of the photos in his tribute article.

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Cliff Ryan

Bob, I've sent you a PM as Marcus Pye would like to use one of the photos in his tribute article.

Sorted, luckily it was one of mine so easy to send HR copy. MOG magazine will have a five page spread 'Tribute' to Mike in the July edition. He was of course a Morgan owner and driver.

[Tim Falce]

Originally Posted by bauble

I have looked for pictures of Mike in my files and found a few, they are all by myself or Peter Olley. I am happy to add any other images too the album if anyone wants to send them to; rbma@hotmail.com.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A

Bob that's a really good album with excellent photos, many thanks for taking the time putting it together and thanks to everyone that contributed photos

[bauble]

Originally Posted by Tim Falce

Bob that's a really good album with excellent photos, many thanks for taking the time putting it together and thanks to everyone that contributed photos

Tim, I am pleased you like it, I am a little embarrassed with people praising 'my efforts' when most of the pictures come from so many others;

I can name James Patterson, and Suzanne Sears, Grant, Alfaholic, Malcolm, Delta, MGDavid, Cliff, Peter Mallet, and some whose names eludes at present, but I think everyone gets a mention somewhere here.

I'll bet that Mike is feeling a little embarrassed himself at all of he adulation, where ever he is now.

[E.B]

Brilliant pictures. Thanks to all who contributed photos and Bob for collating it all.
A great tribute album.