Watch CBS News

Team Chevy Racer Appeals To Detroit Drivers To Stop Multitasking

Detroit (WWJ) - A professional driver surely has some insight into how Detroit drivers stack up to other cities. Veteran Team Chevy driver Townsend Bell, retelling an alarming observation during a recent visit said, "I did get into a taxi to go from my hotel to the Auto Show. It was at night and I noticed a bright glare on the screen and it wasn't like his dashboard. ... He was on a phone call, had his music playing in this ear and he was watching a movie on his laptop."

Bell gave some words of advice for multitasking Detroit drivers. "If you cab drivers are watching, please, two hands on the wheel. Focus on the road," he said smiling.

Grand Prix Doubleheader

It's the first-ever doubleheader at the Belle Isle Grand Prix and Bell explains that competitors will need lots of T.L.C. after the first race. "You should see what these guys look like when we get out of a race after three hours. We're gutted. We just want to lay down for three days," Bell said.

According to Bell's observations, the track is ready to handle the unprecedented two-race weekend. "Mr. Penske and the folks at Chevy and the city, they've done a great job to get some previously difficult areas concrete laid and very durable so I think it's going to be a heck of a race this year," he said.

Ticket Trouble?

Going fast must be in the DNA of a driver and of course Bell has had his fair share of traffic tickets. "I've had plenty," he admitted.

Bell was recently sworn in as the honorary sheriff in his hometown in California and it led to an "awkward" exchange between his wife and local authorities. "... my wife called. She'd been pulled over for no front licence plate." Bell joked that his wife explained that she was the wife of the honorary sheriff. We're guessing it probably didn't buy her any leniency. "We try to be good members of the community," he said.

The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix returns to the Motor City May 31-June 2, 2013.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.