Steve Bell - RIP

[Dan Friel]

terrible news.

Mini racer Steve Bell was killed whilst racing in the Mini Miglia championship at Silverstone last weekend. Also another driver - Daniel Eady was seriously injured in the same accident.

[Maisie]

Chris and I found out about this on Monday, and it came as a huge shock I don't know any details about what happened, but Dan Eady is in a controlled coma, and making some progress. All my thoughts, prayers and best wishes go out to both sets of family and friends

[NICKR]

My thoughts go out to all those who know the drivers involved.

And also to all members of the Mini 7 Racing Club who are such a close-knit group of people.

I travelled the country with the club a few years ago and am saddened by this news.

One thing is for sure, Steve died doing something he has loved doing for a great deal of time.

Does anyone know how this tragedy occurred ?

[Craig]

This is tragic, tragic news. I thought it bad enough that we lost young Nic Fairman at Mallory Park recently, but to lose another driver in such a short space of time is horrendous. Losing anyone at anytime is bad enough, but coming so close to Nic's loss makes it even harder to accept.

By the cruelist or ironies, Steve's funeral will take place a little over a week later than Nic's; in the exact same town. We must be doing something wrong here

This is not the time or place to speculate on what happened, there is an investigation going on to decide that, but it seems that Steve Bell's car come together with Daniel Eady on the 7th lap, as they went through Woodcote, making heavy contact with the wall.

The meeting was immediately abandoned as Steve was taken to hospital by ambulance, and Daniel flown by air where he remains in a condition described as 'serious but stable.'

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved, and we wish Daniel the best in his bid to recover from this.

RIP Steve.

[massifheed]

It's hard to know what to post when these things happen. We all accept that there is always a risk and that motorsport is dangerous, but it is always a shock when you get this kind of news.

It seems that just as the motorsport world gets complacent and assumes bad crashes are a thing of the past something bad happens, and we get hit twice in as many weeks.

I never know what to think, whether there is an element of risk that you just can't plan for, or whether we should constantly strive to acheive safer racing in every aspect. Just as you think the sport is at it's safest, and the governing bodies can do no more, we get a crash which, in slightly different circumstances, could have had the driver walk away.

I guess you could spend hours on "what if's", you could change it all so that particular incident could not happen again, but then something else would happen to make you realise all the other elements that you are forgetting.

In the end I guess all we can really do is give the guys that race a bit more respect, and those of us that race, treat the whole game itself with a bit more respect.

[Lee Purnell]

This really is very sad news.
I chose not to comment on the tragic death of Nic Fairman because of the fact I had no idea what to say.
But to loose another driver in such a short time makes me feel very upset.
All my thoughts and prayers go out to all who have any connection with these trahic events.
And lets hope that Daniel Eady goes on to make a full recovery.

[Dan Friel]

I've visited the Mini Se7en homepage, Bill Sollis (president) is posting regular updates on the condition of Dan Eady. His last post suggestd there was some improvement in his condition.

He also gives Dan Eady's address, if anyone wishes to send cards. Plus also the name of the charity - Motorsport Safety Fund, for all those wishing to donate in Steve Bell's memory..

Sorry, no link. But I can find the details if anyone is interested.

[Maisie]

The Mini Seven's site is www.mini7.co.uk - follow the link to the Mini 7 Egroup to find the details Dan mentioned, but please respect the current silence on the egroup.

[Ray Bell]

Of course we never know what to say. It's a tragedy beyond our normal level of comprehension, so much worse than a blown clutch or a dented car, so horrifying and irreversible that a broken limb or other lesser injury pales into insignificance.

I feel for those who have been deeply affected. There are no words that will lessen their grief.

I did start out to write a great deal more, but it was inappropriate to have all that in this thread, so I have started another thread, death and racing in Gravel Trap.

[Peter Mallett]

When a professional dies in these circumstance we tend to think that although very sad its part of the job. When a club racer dies whilst having fun I think "there but for the grace of God".

I am very sad to read this thread so soon after Nic Fairman.

My thoughts go to Steve's family and friends.

To Dan Easby. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

[yelwoci]

I can only repeat that which has already been said and in particular Peter's.

IanC

[Stacy]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
When a professional dies in these circumstance we tend to think that although very sad its part of the job. When a club racer dies whilst having fun I think "there but for the grace of God".

I am very sad to read this thread so soon after Nic Fairman.

My thoughts go to Steve's family and friends.

To Dan Easby. I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

I echo your sentiments. Sincere condolences to all involved.

[Chris Y]

My condolences go out to Steve's family and friends. This must be a very tough time for the Mini Seven club.

There is some good news in that Daniel Eady is apparently making some progress. He is now described as stable in his coma, and is off the ventilator. He is also apparently showing some responses to visitors.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

[Craig]

As a mark of respect for Steve, competitors have raised the possibility of freezing the championship points as they were prior to his death at Silverstone last month. This would award the championship to him postumously - a gracious gesture for a man who was obviously held in very high regard by his competitors.

Although the move was approved by the majority of racers, it requires the approval of all competitors before it can be accepted. Championship rivals Chris Lewis, Phil Manser and Bill Sollis have withdrawn from the series as a mark of respect.

[Ray Bell]

A fine gesture at that level of racing. Commendable!

Originally Posted by Chris Y

My condolences go out to Steve's family and friends. This must be a very tough time for the Mini Seven club.

There is some good news in that Daniel Eady is apparently making some progress. He is now described as stable in his coma, and is off the ventilator. He is also apparently showing some responses to visitors.

I wish him a speedy recovery.

Hi thankyou for your kind words.I'm still in care in Claygate Surreyin a wheelchair,obviously can't walk from a brain injury.

[mab01UK]

Some photos of my late brother Steve Bell in his Mini Se7en & Miglia.