Bell Racing, Inc. Celebrates 50 Years at the Indianapolis 500.

IRVING, Texas -- Bell Racing, Inc., the company that invented the first protective helmets for auto racing, is pleased to announce that 2005 will mark the 50th year that a Bell helmet has been worn in competition at the Indianapolis 500.

To commemorate Bell's 50 years at the Indy 500, Bell's thirteen sponsored drivers will wear a special 50th anniversary logo on their helmets during the race on May 29, 2005. The logo will be the traditional Bell ellipse in a silver background with the text "1955 - 2005" above the logo and "50 Years at Indy" below the logo. Bell sponsored drivers competing this year include (in qualifying order): Scott Sharp, Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Buddy Lazier, Tomas Enge, Adrian Fernandez, Dan Weldon, Bryan Herta, Darren Manning, Patrick Carpentier, Jacques Lazier, Marty Roth and Filipe Giaffone.

"I have used Bell helmets ever since I turned my first lap in a go kart at age 8," said Scott Sharp, driver of the #8 Delphi Fernandez Racing car starting on the outside of the front row. "Bell has worked extremely hard to stay on top of safety whether its bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets or professional auto racing helmets. I am proud to have been associated with Bell from the beginning of my career and congratulate them on 50 years at Indianapolis."

The first Bell helmet used during the Indianapolis 500 was worn by Cal Niday in 1955. Jimmy Bryan was the first driver to win the race wearing a Bell helmet in 1958. Other Bell Indy 500 Champions include: Roger Ward, Parnelli Jones, Johnnie Parsons, Jimmy Clark, Bobby Unser, Mario Andretti, Al Unser, Mark Donohue, Gordon Johncock, Johnny Rutherford, AJ Foyt, Tom Sneva, Bobby Rahal, Danny Sullivan, Emerson Fittipaldi, Al Unser Jr., Buddy Lazier, Kenny Brack and Helio Castroneves.

Throughout the company's history, Bell has continued to lead the continuous advancement of helmet technology. Many of these innovations are a direct result of Bell's efforts meet the protective helmet needs of drivers competing in the Indianapolis 500. These innovations include: first approved "racing helmet" by the Snell Foundation (1958); first radio system incorporated into the helmet (1962); first polystyrene energy absorbing liner (1963); first helmet camera build in conjunction with Gordan Enterprises (1964); first full face helmet called the Bell Star worn by Dan Gurney (1967); first helmet to incorporate a fire retardant interior (1973); XFM-1, first lightweight helmet to incorporate composite material in the shell (1979); AFX-1, first ultra lightweight all Kevlar shell (1989); Vortex, first helmet to include aerodynamic features including trip strips and vortex generators (1991); Feuling SS, first true aerodynamic helmet that featured a front lip and rear wicker to eliminate helmet buffeting and lift (1993); Dominator, first helmet to include these aerodynamic features in a compact design (1997); T5, first helmet to feature a top element designed to direct and reduce turbulent airflow into the air box to increase horsepower (1998); Excelerator, first helmet to feature an adjustable wicker system (2004).

In addition, the name "Bell" is engraved on the Borg-Warner Trophy that immortalizes the image of each Indianapolis 500 Champion's face. To this day, Bell is the only trade name on the Borg-Warner Trophy and is on such winners as Jimmy Bryan, Roger Ward, and Parnelli Jones.

"For 50 years, the Bell name has been synonymous with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the great champions of the Indianapolis 500," said Kyle Kietzmann, General Manager, Bell Racing Company. "It is an important part of our heritage as a company and we will continue to introduce new helmet innovations designed specifically for racers competing in this event."

Bell Racing is located in Rantoul, Ill., where it designs, tests, markets and sells auto racing helmets and gear for stock car and open-wheel racing. Bell Racing products are available through race gear dealers and retailers.

About Bell Sports

Bell Sports is the world's leading designer and marketer of helmets and accessories for auto racing, powersports, bicycling and other action sports. The company markets helmets and accessories under the Bell, Giro(R), Blackburn(R), CoPilot(TM), X Games, West Coast Choppers, Batman, Barbie(TM), Hot Wheels(TM) and Fisher Price(TM) brands. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, the company has operations in Santa Cruz, Calif.; Rantoul, Ill.; York, Penn.; Limerick, Ireland; and Hong Kong. Bell Sports sells its products in 45 countries. More information is available at www.bellracing.com.