Christopher Bell is one of many NASCAR drivers who has made it to the top level through dirt track racing. Bell, 28, has the third most Chili Bowl Nationals victories since its debut in 1987.
However, recent comments by the driver of the No. 20 car have gone viral on social media after he stated Joe Gibbs Racing owner Joe Gibbs has been vocal about his concerns about dirt track racing. Bell did not compete in the 2023 Chili Bowl Nationals.
Bell also stated that Gibbs has been very vocal about him not running dirt events and was unsure when he would again. Before the first unofficial race of the 2023 NASCAR season, he addressed the comments that circulated a few days ago.
Related: Christopher Bell signed ‘long-term deal’ with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022
Christopher Bell clarifies his recent comments about Joe Gibbs, stresses no issues with the team
Bell broke out and made the Championship 4 for the first time in just his third full-time NASCAR Cup Series season in 2022. It may not have ended with a Cup Series title; however, it was a successful year.
As stated above, the 28-year-old driver has dirt track racing in his blood, and a string of recent comments suggests he won’t be doing it anytime soon. Bell discussed the statements that were made and cleared the air on Saturday afternoon.
“I feel like I need to clear the air a little bit. My comments definitely didn’t reflect my situation, my relationship with Joe Gibbs and you know, my standing with the team. Joe, himself, the entire Gibbs family has been nothing but helpful for me and inspiring for me. Joe has not mentioned any dislike for dirt track racing. The only thing was his wanting to keep me healthy whether that was racing or being out on the lake or anything. He just had my best interest in mind. I did a bad job of portraying that. I don’t know what the future holds for me dirt track racing, but my comments were not well put.”
Christopher Bell on his recent comments about not dirt racing
It was good for Bell to clear the air about the situation; however, the comments made earlier this week compared to now seem different. This is understandable from Gibbs’ standpoint if this is the correct scenario.
Gibbs has a future NASCAR Cup Series champion in his lineup and a driver who led the organization at the end of the 2022 season. Bell will be a fixture in the Cup Series for years to come and keeping him healthy is important.
It is risky to have drivers compete in dirt track races as any extra time in a racing vehicle creates more risk. The overall idea of racing is dangerous and it appears Gibbs simply wants to minimize Bell’s risk of injury.
As for now, this topic appears to be squashed and put away for the time being. It remains to be seen if any more comments about it come out, including from Gibbs himself.