Charismatic, courageous and immensely talented, Artie Bell’s racing career is a tragic case of ‘what might have been’. But for team orders he may well have won the 1947 Senior TT in his first-ever Island appearance. Had there been a 500cc World Championship in 1947, Artie Bell would, with mathematical certainty have won it. Again in 1948 Bell would have emerged as 500cc Champion.
A Cruel Destiny
In a post war career that spanned four seasons Artie Bell rode Nortons exclusively. It must be said that the ‘Garden-gate’ Norton of that era could be an absolute brute; a device that required sheer strength and determination for success. The introduction in 1950 of the ‘Featherbed’ frame at last offered Artie Bell a machine worthy of his ability. But at the Belgian Senior Grand Prix he was involved in a horrendous pile-up and Bell’s career was over.
Bell first came under Norton race manager Joe Craig’s scrutiny at the 1947 North West 200. His win in the Senior event was enough to convince Craig to sign him up for the 1947 works team.
Isle of Man Debut
It was a case of Bell being thrown in at the deep end.Apart from a visit to the Isle of Man in 1935 as a spectator he had absolutely no experience of riding there. Accompanied by his wife Iris, Bell went to the Island two weeks before official practicing commenced. In a fortnight of intensive note making and research, and riding the course, he applied himself to learning the most demanding circuit in the world.
Regardless of his lack of experience Bell led the 1947 Senior for three laps. When he pitted for fuel Craig ordered him to ease his pace. Artie duly obeyed; allowing Harold Daniell to come through and win his second Senior. Bell’s second place and fastest lap in his very first Senior were most commendable.
Senior TT Victory
His Continental forays were equally rewarding: with first place in the Dutch TT and Ulster Grand Prix, plus second in the Belgian and Swiss Grands Prix. It was ironic that no World Championship existed in 1947, for A.J. Bell would have been a clear winner. In 1948 Bell had the satisfaction of a win in the Senior TT; a race that was memorable for its high attrition rate. Apart from the Norton and AJS works teams there was a strong challenge from Moto Guzzi, plus entries of 6 of the newly introduced Grand Prix Triumphs. Added to these were the private entrants, making a total of 55 starters, which was slightly less than average for a TT race.
Many of the stars fell by the way in their attempts to match the pace set by Tenni on his flying Guzzi in the early stages. After heading the field for four laps and making fastest lap at 88.06 mph he was beset with problems and reduced to ninth place at the finish. Taking advantage of Tenni’s misfortunes, Bell assumed the lead on lap five and held it to the finish. He was the sole British works rider to survive the event, which he won by the uncommon margin of ten minutes, ahead of the Nortons of Bill Doran and Jock Weddell.
Read the conclusion of this article in 'A.J. Bell-Champion from Ulster.'
 |
 |
