MOORESVILLE, North Carolina — Nineteen-year old, Drive for Diversity Driver, Mackena Bell ended her NASCAR K&N Pro Series East/West Goodyear Dealers of Iowa 200 appearance Sunday afternoon at Iowa Speedway in a fiery crash at the 0.875-mile speedway.
"I knew I was headed for the wall and I saw the flames after impact. I fought the car to get it down to the grass and could feel the heat rush up my body. I wouldn't say I panicked, but it definitely got my heart pounding!"— Mackena Bell
As the only female in the 49 car field, Bell's impressive Top 15 qualifying position placed her toward the front of field for the 200 lap event.
Battling a tight racecar for most of the race, Bell experienced her first "pit stops" of her racing career and gained track position with the help of her Revolution Racing crew.
"Each track on the K&N Pro Series schedule is a new experience for me this season," said Bell. "I have not had the opportunity to test or race at any of the tracks, so although it is a challenge, it makes me a better racecar driver. You have to be able to adapt quickly at this level. The competition is incredible and it is amazing what I have learned in just three races."
The young rookie has proven that she is capable of running in this series. In fact, many were impressed with Bell's ability to drive a fiery racecar into the tri-oval grass when on lap 180 she cut a right front tire and hit hard into the wall in Turn 4. The hit broke an oil line which sent flames from the No. 8 Freedom Tire Chevrolet, but Bell did not panic.
"I knew I was headed for the wall and I saw the flames after impact. I fought the car to get it down to the grass and could feel the heat rush up my body. I wouldn't say I panicked, but it definitely got my heart pounding!" She escaped unharmed and suffered only bumps and bruises.
After a disappointing 36th place finish, Bell currently sits 18th in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East standings but is optimistic that she will improve that standing in the final seven races on the schedule.
The Goodyear Dealers of Iowa 200 can be seen on SPEED tomorrow, May 27 at 10:00am PST and 1:00pm ET. Bell can be followed on Facebook and on Twitter @MackenaBell.
