Derek Bell with Rothmans Porsche 956-001
Derek Bell with Rothmans Porsche 956-001
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Royal Automobile Club Honors Derek Bell

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Derek Bell with Rothmans Porsche 956-001
Derek Bell with Rothmans Porsche 956-001

The Royal Automobile Club played host to a special event on Wednesday 9 September 2015, when five-time Le Mans winner and double World Sportscar Champion, Derek Bell MBE, drove the iconic Rothmans Porsche 956-001 up the Captain’s Drive at the Club’s Woodcote Park clubhouse to commemorate 40 years since his fist Le Mans victory.

Derek, who is an Honorary member of the Royal Automobile Club, was reunited with the famous Group C Works Rothmans Porsche 956-001, the first monocoque race car built by Porsche.The 956 made its debut in 1982 at the Silverstone Six Hour race with Derek Bell and Jackie Ickx behind the wheel, in what was effectively a development run for the new car. After missing the next round, the duo reappeared at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and led the race for the entire 24 hours before taking the chequered flag and a remarkable victory.

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