Our History
bell Racing for over 70 years
- 2024
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.
- 2021
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.
- 2018
RS7C LTWT
Bell introduces the ultra-lightweight RS7C LTWT model in collaboration with Penske Racing weighing less than 2.75 pounds.
- 2014
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.
- 2011
Zylon Visor Panel
Bell is the first company to homologate and use a Zylon Visor Panel in F1 competition.
- 2010
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.
- 2008
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.
- 2007
KC3
The KC3 is the first helmet to be homologated to the new Snell/FIA CMR children’s standard.
- 2004
HP1
Bell’s HP1 is the first helmet to be homologated to the FIA8860 advanced helmet standard and used in F1 competition.
- 2003
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.
- 1997
Dominator
The Dominator is introduced, the first helmet with gurneys built into the shell for enhanced aerodynamic performance in a compact design.
- 1993
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
- 1991
Vortex
The Vortex is the first helmet to include aerodynamic elements including trip strips and vortex generators.
- 1989
AFX-1
The AFX-1 is the first ultra-lightweight all Kevlar helmet in motorsports
- 1985
Mag 4 RS
Bell introduces the Mag 4 RS, the first purpose-built helmet for NASCAR, stock car style racing
- 1979
XFM-1
The XFM-1 is the first lightweight composite helmet in motorsports
- 1978
Star XF
The first dual eyeport helmet, Star XF is introduced.
- 1975
flip-up visor
The Star II becomes the first helmet with a flip-up visor system
- 1973
Fire-retardant
Bell introduces the first helmet with a fire-retardant interior
- 1971
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
- 1969
Mario Andretti
Mario Andretti wins the Indy 500 – the last driver to win the 500 in an open face helmet.
- 1968
Dan Gurney
Dan Gurney becomes the first racer to wear a full-face helmet in competition
- 1966
THE STAR
Bell introduces the world’s first full-face helmet – the Star
- 1963
FIRST WORLD CHAMPION
Jim Clark secures the 1963 Formula 1 title and becomes the first world champion wearing a Bell helmet.
- 1962
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
- 1959
Snell
Bell becomes the first company to certify a helmet to the Snell Memorial Foundation standard
- 1958
Jim Bryan
Jim Bryan becomes Bell’s first Indianapolis 500 Champion
- 1957
500 TX
500 TX, the first motorsports helmet to use an EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner
- 1955
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
- 1954
First Helmet
Bell manufactures its first racing helmet – the 500, in a garage located behind Bell Auto Parts