NASCAR driver Christopher Bell has hinted at expanding into dirt racing after Joe Gibbs Racing shifts its policy to allow more flexible participation in Sprint Car and dirt racing events.
This policy change opens the door for JGR drivers, including Christopher Bell, to flex their skills on dirt tracks more regularly alongside their NASCAR careers.
For Joe Gibbs Racing, under the leadership of its former NFL coach namesake, this policy shift is a significant departure from its previous stance. Historically, JGR had limited its NASCAR Cup Series drivers from engaging in dirt racing. This move intended to minimize injury risks, as dirt racing can pose substantial physical demands and potential hazards to both drivers and vehicles.
This cautious approach changed with the planned 2025 arrival of Chase Briscoe, a driver deeply rooted in the dirt racing world, and who owns a dirt racing team himself. This recruitment appeared to prompt JGR to reconsider its restrictions, opening opportunities for seasoned NASCAR drivers to pursue passions on dirt tracks.
Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Interstate Batteries/DEWALT Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in… Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Interstate Batteries/DEWALT Toyota, waves to fans as he walks onstage during driver intros prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. Christopher Bell hints at racing move away from NASCAR. More Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Christopher Bell stands prominently affected by this change. Known for his remarkable accomplishments in sprint car racing, with multiple wins at the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals, Bell’s return to dirt racing is seen as a natural extension of his racing ambition. He quickly took to social media to share his excitement about the change, writing: