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.
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:
“See you guys at a dirt track soon.”
Although the restrictions have been lifted, drivers must seek permission for specific races, ensuring risk factors are reviewed, especially for events known for high wreck risk.
Gibbs explained during an interview with The Athletic:
“We sort of talked things over to come up with a process by which they can request to run certain races.
“If they get approval from everyone they need on our competition side, then they are free to run the race. That includes dirt, but also potentially other forms of racing.”
Bell also commented to The Athletic revealing his surprise about the restrictions being lifted. He explained:
“I was definitely caught off guard by the change of policy.
“I was super shocked, but with Chase coming on board and Ty growing an interest in dirt racing, it’s nice we have the majority of our team aligned with it now.”
The opportunity to race on dirt again is likely to resonate positively within the racing community. Fans have already begun sharing their excitement. One posted:
“Chili bowl! Oh please, oh please!”
Chili bowl! Oh please, oh please!
— Aileen Fish/Ari Thatcher (@AileenFish) November 18, 2024
Another wrote: “Fantastic! Return to the Chili Bowl!!”
Fantastic! Return to the Chili Bowl!!
— Go Full Throttle (@BobFullThrottle) November 18, 2024
