Kirk Bell

About Kirk Bell

Automotive writer, editor and photographer specializing in new car news and reviews. Award-winning author and editor of automotive history books, including NASCAR Chronicle, Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle, Cars of the Classic \'30s, Cars of the Fascinating \'40s, Corvette: Sports Car Superstar, and Muscle Car Chronicle. Named to the North American Car and Truck of the Year jury in 2014. Most recently employed as a Senior Editor for MotorAuthority.com, specializing in luxury and performance cars. Also worked with TheCarConnection.com and GreenCarReports.com. Spent eight years as a freelance journalist with clients that included MSN Autos, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Daily News, Autotrader.com, JDPower.com, KBB.com, the Chicago Sun-Times, and Collectible Automobile. Past president of the Midwest Automotive Media Association, an organization that provides a forum for automotive journalists, public relations professionals, and auto executives to interact. In this capacity I organize meetings and events, including the Spring Rally, which attracts 100 journalists to Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin\'s Road America every May. Prior to my freelance career, I was managing editor and associate publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive. I was promoted to managing editor after 10 months on the job after taking over a wayward book project and getting it out on time. I was instrumental in changing the editorial culture, as I assumed greater responsibility for book projects, taking the burden off the publisher. I was promoted to associate publisher after five years for consistently showing leadership and organizational skills. My publishing career began at Scale Auto Enthusiast magazine. When the magazine was bought by Kalmbach Publishing Co, I oversaw its transition, integrating it into the Kalmbach workflow and hiring, all the while producing the magazine on time and to the highest quality standards. Specialties: Writing, editing, reviews, photography, knowledge of today\'s car industry and classic cars, magazine and book project management, contract and licensing negotiation, freelance contributor communication.

Experience

1. Senior Editor, Motor Authority

   Internet Brands

   Jun 2015 — Present

   Automotive journalist specializing in luxury and performance cars. Reviews, news, auto show coverage, and features.

Education

• Marquette University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Communications

  1986 — 1990