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Thursday, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
VOL. 19, NO. 5
Nathan Whalen photo
Director Mark Ritchie films a scene for “Shut up and Drive.” A film crew spent several days on Whidbey Island last week filming the Fox Sports 1 television show.
Bolting through Ebey’s Landing By Nathan Whalen Staff Reporter
T
wo race car drivers sped through one of the most picturesque parts of Ebey’s Landing in a flash. Justin Bell and Townsend Bell (no relation) spent a quiet Wednesday afternoon last week racing a Lexus IS 350 FSPORT. They raced down Ebey Road, drifted through a hair-pin turn onto Hill Road near the bluff trail, regained speed as they whizzed by the beach before negotiating a series of curves on the narrow road in the woods before speeding past a historic, red barn located just outside the treeline. As for who won? Tune in to “Shut up and Drive” to find out. The show featuring Ebey’s Landing airs at noon, Sunday, Sept. 29. on Fox Sports 1. Justin Bell, who has competed in the 24-hours of Le Mans, and Townsend Bell, who has raced in the Indianapolis 500, are the hosts of the latest driving show to appear on television. Justin, who is from London, said its not just the actual road that is being featured, but the environment. He noted the beauty of the trip to Whidbey Island, which included a ferry ride along with a drive through most of the Island before ending up on a remote beach near Coupeville. He was surprised at the weather swings he noticed throughout the day, which included periods of
Scenic drive through reserve becomes impromptu race course for Fox Sports 1 television show sun, fog and rain. Townsend said he always enjoys visiting the Pacific Northwest. This week’s visit marked the first time he visited Whidbey Island. The 1.8 mile-course provided some surprises for Townsend. “The road was a bit more daunting than I expected,” Townsend said. He described the course as fast and the moisture in the woods posed some concerns. See DRIVE, page 16