Our History

bell Racing for over 70 years

RALLY REVOLUTION

Bell Racing, together with sister brand Zeronoise, launches the ground-breaking Wired-Wireless system for rally and off-road competition. The top-of-the-line MAG-10 Rally Carbon and HP10 Rally helmets, combined with the new Zeronoise Fearless Wireless intercom, allow drivers and co-drivers to communicate without any cable, inside and outside the car.

Back in WRC

After 2 years of intense Research & Development with the best drivers and best teams, Bell comes back in World Rally Championship, setting new levels of comfort, performances and acoustic qualities thanks to ZeroNoise ™ electronics.

HP77

The Bell HP77, the first helmet to feature the Visor Panel incorporated into the shell is revealed at the FIA Sport Conference in Manila.

RS7C LTWT

Bell introduces the ultra-lightweight RS7C LTWT model in collaboration with Penske Racing weighing less than 2.75 pounds.

HP7

Bell introduces the HP7 featuring an innovative shell and integrated shield design optimized moving the pivot locations down and forward to improve acoustic and aerodynamic performance while enhancing energy management capacities.

Zylon Visor Panel

Bell is the first company to homologate and use a Zylon Visor Panel in F1 competition.

BR1

Bell’s BR1 is the first forced air helmet design for use in either a side or top air configuration using a kit system.

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2009-1991

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2009-1991

GTX

The GTX, the first helmet developed specifically for dirt racing, is introduced featuring rear facing vents designed to create a venturi effect, allowing ventilation while preventing dust and dirt from entering the helmet.

KC3

The KC3 is the first helmet to be homologated to the new Snell/FIA CMR children’s standard.

HP1

Bell’s HP1 is the first helmet to be homologated to the FIA8860 advanced helmet standard and used in F1 competition.

DSAF insert

Bell introduces the DSAF insert designed into the helmet shield to create a natural air barrier to eliminate shield fogging in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.

Dominator

The Dominator is introduced, the first helmet with gurneys built into the shell for enhanced aerodynamic performance in a compact design.

Feuling

Based on a design by Jim Feuling, the Feuling SS is introduced, revolutionizing aerodynamic helmet performance with a unique seven-degree flat back design incorporating a front chin gurney and rear wicker gurney to eliminate helmet buffeting and lift at high-speeds

Vortex

The Vortex is the first helmet to include aerodynamic elements including trip strips and vortex generators.

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1990-1970

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1990-1970

AFX-1

The AFX-1 is the first ultra-lightweight all Kevlar helmet in motorsports

Mag 4 RS

Bell introduces the Mag 4 RS, the first purpose-built helmet for NASCAR, stock car style racing

XFM-1

The XFM-1 is the first lightweight composite helmet in motorsports

Star XF

The first dual eyeport helmet, Star XF is introduced.

flip-up visor

The Star II becomes the first helmet with a flip-up visor system

Fire-retardant

Bell introduces the first helmet with a fire-retardant interior

33 drivers

Unique in auto racing history, all 33 drivers at each of USAC’s 500-mile championship races – Indianapolis, Pocono and Ontario – wear Bell Helmets

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1969-1954

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1969-1954

Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti wins the Indy 500 – the last driver to win the 500 in an open face helmet.

Dan Gurney

Dan Gurney becomes the first racer to wear a full-face helmet in competition

THE STAR

Bell introduces the world’s first full-face helmet – the Star

FIRST WORLD CHAMPION

Jim Clark secures the 1963 Formula 1 title and becomes the first world champion wearing a Bell helmet.

MOMA New York

The 500-TX is selected by the Museum of Modern Art in New York for Excellence of Design. Four Bell helmet models are on continuous display at MoMA

Snell

Bell becomes the first company to certify a helmet to the Snell Memorial Foundation standard

Jim Bryan

Jim Bryan becomes Bell’s first Indianapolis 500 Champion

500 TX

500 TX, the first motorsports helmet to use an EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner

Cal Niday

Cal Niday becomes the first driver to wear a Bell Helmet in the Indianapolis 500.manufactures its first racing helmet – the 500, in a garage located behind Bell Auto Parts

First Helmet

Bell manufactures its first racing helmet – the 500, in a garage located behind Bell Auto Parts

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Today-2010

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Today-2010