By Graeme Bell #1

After a few years away from the driver’s seat and eighteen months of cancer treatment, I finally turned a wheel in anger again on Tuesday, 7th July, at Winton. A practice day for the upcoming Winton Festival of Speed. Even writing that sentence feels surreal. There were days during treatment when I wasn’t sure I’d ever get back to this world, the noise, the smell, the camaraderie, the adrenaline but there I was, helmet in hand, standing in the morning sun with my family around me.

We drove up the night before. I wanted as much rest as possible, knowing my stamina isn’t what it once was. Jo, Olivia, and I set up the garage on Monday, and it felt strangely comforting familiar motions, familiar tools, familiar smells. Olivia shadowed Jo and in her own way, and Jo, as always, kept everything steady and organised. That alone made me feel like I was already halfway home.

That evening we went out to dinner with Jo, Olivia, and Adrian. Sitting in Benalla again after so many years brought back memories of race weekends long past, the laughter, the nerves, the excitement. It felt good. It felt right.

Tuesday morning was cold; the kind of crisp Winton start that wakes you up whether you’re ready or not. But the sun was out, and as we arrived at the track, the sound of cars already circulating washed over me. That familiar hum sharp, mechanical, alive stirred something deep inside. I stood there for a moment, taking it in. After everything, I was back.

Having my family around me meant more than I can express. I gave Jo a huge hug before I climbed in the car. I’ll admit it I felt apprehensive. Not Racing for 4 years is a long time in Motorsport. Cancer takes a toll. But once I rolled out of pit lane, the old instincts began to flicker back to life. Apexes I hadn’t thought about in years came back to me. Lines I’d forgotten started to reappear. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine.

One great moment of the day was following Chris around the circuit and then having him follow me in the next session. Two Bell boys, both re-learning skills we’d tucked away for far too long. There was something quietly powerful about that no pressure, no championship on the line, just two racers rediscovering who they are.

Sean found his groove quickly, as he always does. There were flashes of the speed we know he has, signs he’ll be right up the front come race weekend. Jess was doing brilliantly too until brake issues forced her to retire early, frustrating, but she handled it with her usual grit. And Katie, eight months pregnant, still came along to help and be part of the day. She and “Bump” reminded me exactly why I love this sport: it’s never just about the cars. It’s about the people who stand beside you.

Jo and Olivia even learned how to do tyre pressures watching them crouched beside the car, working together, made my heart swell. Our family doesn’t just support racing; we live it. Everyone chips in. Everyone belongs.

Sadly, one of our fellow E30 members had a misadventure with the wall, ending his day early. He’d been going so well, and it was tough to see. That’s racing the highs and lows arrive without warning.

But overall, our times were competitive. Our spirits were high. And for the first time since 2015 at Phillip Island, I was on track with my three kids again. That alone made the entire day worth it.

I’ve started a cancer exercise physiology rehabilitation program to help build my strength and stamina for the race weekend, but mainly for my return to life. I know my body isn’t what it used to be. I’m not expecting to win.  That’s not the goal. The goal is to be part of the category I helped found 25 years ago a category that has shaped my life, my family, and my community for quarter of a century.

For those who don’t know, I started E30 Racing with two others all those years ago. To be returning now, with my children beside me, and a new grandchild on the way… it means more than I can ever fully explain.

We’re hoping the baby arrives on time, not early, because we want Chris out there with us. It would mean the world to have all of us on track together.

This is just Part 1 of my journey back. Join me as the weekend unfolds. There’s more to come, more emotion, more challenges, more joy and I’m proud, excited, and deeply grateful to be here.

If you are around and want to watch some great racing, drive up over the weekend and support this great category and our family who have been through a lot over theses past 18 months and help us achieve something which may not happen again in in a long while.

Graeme Bell #1