KV Racing Technology to field car for Bell in 2014 Indianapolis 500

[Source: KV Racing Technology press release]

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LONG BEACH, CA – April 12, 2014 – KV Racing Technology will field a car for IndyCar veteran Townsend Bell, sponsored by Robert Graham at the 2014 Indianapolis 500, May 25, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana.

Bell will pilot the No. 6 Robert Graham – KV Racing Technology Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone entry. He will join Sebastien Bourdais, No. 11 Hydroxycut /Mistic E-Cigs – KVSH Racing Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone and Sebastian Saavedra, No. 17 KV AFS Racing Chevrolet/Dallara/Firestone, in a three-car effort for the team.

“I am pleased to announce that Townsend Bell and Robert Graham will be joining KV Racing Technology for the 2014 Indianapolis 500,” said KVRT co-owner Kevin 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 Robert Graham for joining our effort.”

“We are very pleased to associate Robert Graham with Townsend Bell for the 2014 Indianapolis 500,” said Michael Buckley, Chief Executive Officer of Robert Graham. “Partnering with Townsend Bell is a strategic brand fit, providing a fun and exciting platform to reach millions of IndyCar fans and gain positive brand exposure. Townsend is an extremely talented driver, knowledgeable commentator and athlete who fully personifies the Robert Graham lifestyle. The Robert Graham team and our fans around the world are cheering for him.”

Bell, a 38-year-old American, who resides in Pacific Palisades, California spends much of his time now as a Verizon IndyCar Series broadcast analyst for NBC Sports and advising young drivers about the business of motor racing. He also competes in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship driving for AIM Autosport with Ferrari. Bell, who will be contesting a major U. S. based open-wheel event for the 12th season, will be making his eighth start at the Brickyard. In seven previous Indy 500’s he has a best starting of fourth, in 2011, and has earned three top-10 finishes with a best showing of fourth in 2009, coincidentally, while competing with KV Racing Technology.

“I want to thank Kevin Kalkhoven, Jimmy Vasser and Robert Graham for the chance to compete with KV Racing Technology at this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said Bell. “In 2001, Jimmy was my teammate in my first Champ Car event and in 2009 I had my best finish at Indy racing with KVRT, so coming back to the defending Indy 500 champions, is special. I will be working with one of my favorite engineers, Gerald Tyler, so that is also a big plus. Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Robert Graham for their support. Without them this would not be possible. I wear Robert Graham clothing, as most of your know from last year’s fedora and I am proud to represent the company.”

“I am very pleased to have Townsend and Robert Graham join KV Racing Technology for this year’s Indianapolis 500,” said KVRT co-owner Jimmy Vasser. “Townsend has a lot of experience at the Speedway and did a great job the last time he drove there for us. I think the entire team will benefit from his knowledge as we go through our program in preparation for the Indy 500. Also, with Robert Graham on board I think we will be the best dressed team in the paddock during the month of May.”

The 2014 Indianapolis 500 will be the 98th running of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” It has been held every year since the first race in 1911 except the war years of 1917-1918 and 1942-1945. The race will be contested on May 25, 2014 and will be broadcast live on ABC beginning at 11:00 a.m. (ET).