Sam Schmidt Motorsports announced that team's Indy 500 program will include veteran driver Townsend Bell who will drive the No. 99 Herbalife car.
As a result, Bell who has been the 2001 Indy Lights champion, will attempt to earn a spot in the 33-car lineup for a 5th time. In 2009, he started 24th and finished 4rth but in 2010 although he qualified 10th he finished back 16th in the 500 Mile Race.
Bell commented:
“Being in competitive equipment has always been important to me in my career. With this being the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, I am excited that I’ll be returning to the Speedway with a team and sponsor that will allow me to run up front. Partnering with Herbalife allows Sam’s team to prepare a great race car, and I can’t wait to climb back in it.
Team owner Sam Schmidt who will lineup cars for the Indy 500 for the 10th consecutive years, commented as well:
“It’s a thrill to be partnered again with Herbalife and Townsend Bell for the Indianapolis 500. This will be the first time competing in the Indy 500 that our team will be returning with the same driver, sponsor and engineering combination. The continuity will be fantastic and, hopefully, we can improve on our great performance last year.”
