Few brands in motorsport share a bond with an event as strong as that between Bell Racing and the Indianapolis 500. 2025 marks the 70th anniversary of Bell helmets’ debut in America’s most prestigious race, also known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing”. Since 1955, just one year after its founding, Bell has been a constant presence at the Brickyard, protecting drivers with cutting-edge solutions and becoming an integral part of memorable moments in racing history.
That same year, Cal Niday endured a severe crash on lap 177, suffering multiple injuries, including a skull fracture. Despite the severity of the incident, he credited his Bell helmet for preventing more catastrophic outcomes – a pivotal moment that not only saved his life but also cemented Bell’s reputation for safety. In 1958, Jimmy Bryan led the final 75 laps to secure his and Bell’s maiden victory at the Indianapolis 500. From that point on, the brand’s presence soared, culminating in an incredible milestone in 1971 when every one of the 33 drivers competing at the Indy 500 wore Bell.
No other helmet manufacturer has succeeded more at the Indy 500 than Bell Racing – over 30 wins – the latest in 2024 with Josef Newgarden. As the 2025 race approaches, Bell continues to support the defending champion and equips a total of 23 starters, representing 70% of the complete entry list. This roster includes notable names such as 2018 winner Will Power, 2022 winner Marcus Ericsson, and four-time winner Helio Castroneves.
To celebrate its 70th anniversary at the Indy 500, Bell Racing prepared a special one-off logo to be displayed on the back of the HP77 helmets worn by all its drivers.
“The history of Bell Racing is deeply intertwined with the Indianapolis 500, a race where no other brand holds such a storied legacy. This event has always inspired us to push our limits and innovate to elevate the safety and performance of auto racing helmets,” said Kyle Kietzmann, President and CEO of Racing Force Group, which now reunites Bell Racing Helmets and OMP under one roof.
“Two aspects best illustrate our legacy at the Indy 500: the Bell name engraved on the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy awarded to the winner, and the permanent workroom we maintain inside Gasoline Alley during the Month of May for helmet support. This is a privilege we have earned through our longstanding presence and countless victories. This anniversary is particularly special, and we are happy to celebrate it with our drivers and loyal supporters,” Kietzmann emphasized.
The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 is set for May 25th, and once again, a Bell athlete will be in pole position: Robert Shwartzman from the debuting Prema team. Shwartzman, the first rookie since 1983 to secure the fastest qualifying time, adds more glory to our storied legacy at the Brickyard. Additionally, there will be an added element of interest for TV viewers. For the first time in Indy 500 history, Bell Racing helmets will incorporate the Driver’s Eye™, the world’s smallest microcamera developed by Zeronoise, the electronics division of Racing Force Group. The Driver’s Eye™ system provides a fully immersive experience, offering viewers the exact perspective of the driver during the race, integrated into the NTT INDYCAR SERIES coverage on FOX Sports.
