Magic Mike Bell 27 May 2020 - Page 6

**Peter Mallett** · 31 May 2020, 18:25 (Ref:3979510)

Thanks Iain, I was pretty sad to read your original post, so was Pat when I told her. We both miss him. Was good to speak to you the other day. Mike will remain in our thoughts.

delta · 31 May 2020, 18:41 (Ref:3979512)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bauble

Mike will be surprised iain, not a spelling mistake to be found, he will be chuckling up there.

Phew .

**Tim Falce** · 31 May 2020, 18:41 (Ref:3979513)

Iain, that's a lovely post many thanks for sharing it.

andy97 · 31 May 2020, 20:31 (Ref:3979524)

Iain, made me quite emotional.

Cliff Ryan · 31 May 2020, 21:14 (Ref:3979529)

Iain, what a well written heartfelt post that brought tears to my eyes, thank you.

Mike & I are also very different in many ways, but hit it off in a big way. He will be sorely missed.

Cliff Ryan · 31 May 2020, 21:18 (Ref:3979530)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bauble

I have looked for pictures of Mike in my files and found a few, they are all by myself or Peter Olley. I am happy to add any other images too the album if anyone wants to send them to; rbma@hotmail.com.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A

Bob I’ve tried to send a few photos but they’ve bounced back as undeliverable?

They are mainly the ones already on this thread, so no problem, I just thought you should know.

The SpeCTator · 31 May 2020, 21:19 (Ref:3979531)

Iain, a wonderful piece as to how you met Mike. Thanks.
We met Mike at Dijon in 2010, you introduced us!
Mike had been qualifying his wonderful pale blue Morgan but he was not happy, despite posting good lap times.
He was fretting in the paddock and told us he was worried about a constant banging from the front of the car.
Quick as a flash my wife said, don't worry it's only the end of the leather bonnet strap hitting the bonnet.
Mike rushed round to the other side of the car and instead of the extra foot of leather strap being folded back into the leather retainer it was hanging down. There were even scuff marks to back up the statement.
As his eyes hit the sky a broad grin came across his face.
Ever since Mike always has a cheery word in the paddock for us.
Sadly that is something we shall miss.

The SpeCTator · 31 May 2020, 22:00 (Ref:3979533)

Mike at Spa 6hrs 2012

E.B · 1 Jun 2020, 04:55 (Ref:3979554)

Great post Iain, and a lovely (well spelt!) story. Thanks for sharing it. Brought a tear to my eye.

I never met Mike, much my loss, and only knew him from tenths and emails between us, but none the less he was always super helpful, friendly and above all showed great wisdom and humour. I learned much from him. He treated me as a friend and I thought of him as that despite never having met.

I guess that the number of heartfelt messages here and elsewhere only confirm what a great, well thought of and highly respected quality bloke Mike was, and one who will long be remembered by all his many friends.

God's speed Mike and RIP.

bauble · 1 Jun 2020, 08:30 (Ref:3979568)

Hopefully, you will know that I have posted my pictures of Mike on a Google album, for all to share, Cliff is also adding his pictures to the album, and I wondered if I might ad the images that have been posted here.

If nobody objects I will download the pics and add them to the Mike Bell Tribute Album, I have started.
Please let me know if I may add your pictures. as I will only do so if permission is given. Cliff has sent the link to Mike's sister, and friends, so they will also be able to share our memories of him.
Baub.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A

356sc · 1 Jun 2020, 08:46 (Ref:3979571)

Bauble...of course!

And another to add.....it was blooming cold, so is a rare photo of Mike not wearing shorts!

Click image for larger version

Name: 3228E535-F144-411F-90E5-F4FB56867E74.jpeg
Views: 24
Size: 254.3 KB
ID: 61582

John Elwin · 1 Jun 2020, 09:01 (Ref:3979575)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

Phew .

Actually there is & Bauble missed it!

A really lovely tribute Iain, especially the last bit. I know from experience it is funny how animals can have a sixth sense about such things.

bauble · 1 Jun 2020, 09:12 (Ref:3979580)

Quote:

Originally Posted by 356sc

Bauble...of course!

And another to add.....it was blooming cold, so is a rare photo of Mike not wearing shorts!
Attachment 61582

Thanks, Will, now on display, along with Cliff's contribution. A fitting tribute to our friend.

**John Turner** · 1 Jun 2020, 10:38 (Ref:3979591)

Bob, nicely done; very happy for you to add any of mine.

Great tribute from Iain.

S griffin · 1 Jun 2020, 10:43 (Ref:3979592)

I agree, keep adding any photos you can, the more the merrier. Everyone on here deserves to have memories of Mike on there

**Peter Mallett** · 1 Jun 2020, 10:56 (Ref:3979596)

Just going through my old flickr files and found this from Delta's Classic BBQ 2011.

bauble · 1 Jun 2020, 11:33 (Ref:3979604)

Thank you JT and Peter, your images are now in the public domain, and very welcome additions. We are up to 59 pictures, and I hope we can at least double that before we are through.

My personal story concerning Mike is similar to so many others here. How I first met Mike I can't remember, probably at Delta's barbecue or his SLR drives. Like everyone, once met you had a best friend.
A couple of years ago he posted on the Historic bit that his local bookshop was selling off a number of books on motor sport, and offered to buy anything for anyone who wanted a particular book. I asked him to get me a copy of a book on BRM, which he did, and he arranged for me to collect it from some race team at (I think) the Classic, as he would not be there. I picked it up and asked about payment, but was told nothing had been said about money. I phoned Mike and asked how could I pay him and he simply said; "You do a lot for motor sport, so there is no charge.".

I have often wondered why he thought I did a "lot for motor sport", when I do what I do for my own enjoyment, as we all do I suppose, but while the price was only a Fiver, it was still a generous gesture, and so typical of his nature.

Keep the pictures coming.

Bob

mark77 · 1 Jun 2020, 19:45 (Ref:3979699)

RIP Mike, only met a few times over the years but always took time out for a chat and made me feel welcome

Willmaz223 · 1 Jun 2020, 20:34 (Ref:3979702)

Our Mike doing what he loved:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3V-I0BxWis&t=8s

gary396 · 1 Jun 2020, 20:48 (Ref:3979703)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bauble

Hopefully, you will know that I have posted my pictures of Mike on a Google album, for all to share, Cliff is also adding his pictures to the album, and I wondered if I might ad the images that have been posted here.

If nobody objects I will download the pics and add them to the Mike Bell Tribute Album, I have started.
Please let me know if I may add your pictures. as I will only do so if permission is given. Cliff has sent the link to Mike's sister, and friends, so they will also be able to share our memories of him.
Baub.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A

By all means use mine Bob. Many thanks for doing all this.

GORDON STREETER · 2 Jun 2020, 00:07 (Ref:3979710)

Quote:

Originally Posted by delta

Phew .

They are being kind Iain, I only noted 3

but I forgive you for the brilliant "bit" of journalism

GORDON STREETER · 2 Jun 2020, 00:12 (Ref:3979711)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bauble

Hopefully, you will know that I have posted my pictures of Mike on a Google album, for all to share, Cliff is also adding his pictures to the album, and I wondered if I might ad the images that have been posted here.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9UfcNvysPnGDVTP8A

Great pictures Baub

bauble · 2 Jun 2020, 06:58 (Ref:3979721)

Thank you Gordon, the pictures come from several sources, and who to credit I have no idea, but who cares? Just lovely memories of a lovely man.

I am hoping that a few more people will give permission to use the pictures posted here, Delta? Malcolm, Henk, MGD, etc.

Thank you Grant, now added.

Baub.

**Peter Mallett** · 2 Jun 2020, 07:34 (Ref:3979726)

Mike was remembered by a number of people on Twitter so I've taken the liberty of copying the link to the album.

delta · 2 Jun 2020, 07:38 (Ref:3979728)

Sorry Bob,Please go ahead and use the pictures I have posted.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Bell, Magic Mike	delta	The Driver Files	62	26 Jul 2022 07:19
Mike Bell - Disgraceful.	bauble	Historic Racing Today	17	4 Mar 2015 06:56
Mk1 Escort TVR V8 (formerly Mike Bell thread)	Eep	Historic Racing Today	12	20 Apr 2012 08:25
Nothing magic about CART/IRL construction methods	Franklin	Racing Technology	5	6 Jun 2000 06:38