Martyn Bell to miss 2010 season
A long-standing injury will force Martyn Bell to sit out the 2010 BTCC season it was announced today. In addition to surgery on a back injury sustained in his heavy accident at Snetterton in 2008, a hip injury from a fall while on holiday last year has proved problematic. Bell though hopes to return to the series in 2011.
Speaking to the official series website, Bell said, “It’s been common knowledge that I have been carrying an injury since July, but after extensive tests and treatment following the final round of the season at Brands Hatch, it has now been discovered that I suffered a fracture in my hip, and have now developed arthritis.”
“Added to the fact that I also require surgery on a long-standing back injury, I’ve been forced into the difficult decision to sit out the 2010 season.”
The hip injury forced Bell to miss several rounds of the 2009 championship, the first he has missed since his debut at Brands Hatch in April 2006 in a Geoff Steel Racing BMW. Since 2008 Bell has driven for Tech-Speed teams under the Arkas Racing and then sunshine.co.uk banners.
“I was looking forward to 2010 and am obviously disappointed that I won’t be able to race this season, but it has reached the stage where I am in pain driving my road car, so surgery is the only option” said the Lincolnshire racer.
“It’s not a decision I have taken lightly, but in reality I had no option. My sponsors and backers fully understand the reasons behind the decision and have already said that they will continue to support me despite this setback.
“To have that level of support behind me is fantastic and I thank them all for it, and I fully intend to be back in the BTCC in 2011.”
2009 teammate Paul O’Neill was confirmed by Tech-Speed in January as continuing in a BTC-spec Honda Integra for the coming season. Bell’s announcement leaves one, or possibly two, slots available in the team for 2010.
TouringCarTimes wishes Martyn well with his surgery and recovery, and looks forward to seeing him back on track in 2011!
