Goodwood salutes racing great Derek Bell

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©GoodwoodFOS

Derek Bell’s extraordinary life in motorsport was celebrated in moving fashion on Thursday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, as the five-time Le Mans winner arrived at Goodwood House in none other than Porsche’s iconic Le Mans-winning 962.

Greeted by The Duke of Richmond and interviewed by Karun Chandhok, Bell reflected on a journey that began just down the road in Pagham and took him to the very heights of racing.

From marshalling at Goodwood as a teenager to winning in a self-built Lotus Seven, and later receiving a career-defining call from Enzo Ferrari, Bell’s story is one of perseverance, grace, and speed.

His most enduring legacy came with Porsche in the golden age of Group C, a chapter he shared with fellow legend Jacky Ickx, also present on Thursday and watching proudly from the crowd.

As friends and family – including son Justin – joined him on the balcony, Bell simply called Goodwood “just home to me.” On a day full of admiration and applause, the sentiment felt mutual. A fitting tribute to one of the sport’s most beloved and accomplished figures.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.