DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.— Christopher Bell all but floated into Daytona 500 media day on Wednesday.
Over the past two months, the 30-year-old racer has been making up for lost time after a three-year extracurricular motorsports moratorium set forth by Joe Gibbs Racing when Bell took over the reins on the No. 20 Toyota. Bell’s racing was confined to NASCAR. Other forms of racing were off-limits.
Bell returned to his Oklahoma roots at the end of December for the Tulsa Shootout. He held off long-time rival Kyle Larson to win the Outlaw Non-Wing A Feature. Two weeks later—and following a four-year absence from Chili Bowl Nationals competition — Bell scored his first International Race of Champions victory in the 55-lap all-star midget event. After finishing third in Thursday night’s qualifier, Bell came home 10th in the finale.
Last Wednesday, Bell kicked off his Florida Speedweeks in a 410-sprint car with the World of Outlaws at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville. It didn’t take the “Baby-faced Assassin” long to get back into racing form. On the second night, Bell won his heat race, then battled Larson to the line for his first victory on the Outlaws’ tour in six years.
Larson, who described Bell’s current demeanor as “giddy,” is thrilled to have Bell back on dirt, where the drivers can test their limits and rekindle their competition.
Bell thanked boss Joe Gibbs and JGR for allowing him to renew his passion. He added that it’s a dream come true to compete against the top dirt talent in the world.
“It’s refreshing,” Bell said. “Dirt racing is so raw, and it feels like the driver makes a difference—way more so than on asphalt. I’ve enjoyed that because you go asphalt racing, and it feels like your hands are tied to the equipment, to the car.
“In dirt racing, you’re able to overcome that, and the good drivers typically shine.”
Bell hopes the additional racing will keep him sharp when he’s not competing in NASCAR.
“We don’t really have any practice—there is very little seat time compared to what I’m used to,” Bell said. “So, hopefully being in the seat will help me perform on Sundays. That is what it’s all about.
“I’ve raced more than most this offseason and I hope that pays dividends once we get the season started and specifically this first race.”
The additional racing has boosted Bell’s confidence. He joked that having the best average finish of third in his last two starts in the Daytona 500 is “100-percent skill.”
Over the last two seasons, he has picked up his performance considerably with three finishes of third in his last four starts on the 2.5-mile track.
On Thursday, prior to the Duels, the No. 20 team had to change the power steering pump on the DeWalt Toyota, and Bell started from the rear of the field for the second qualifier. On Sunday, he will start 20th for the Great American Race.
Despite a three-win season in 2024, Bell wants more.
“Winning is always great,” Bell said. “You need to win in this sport. Drivers who come from nothing, the way they get to where they’re at is winning. There are very few winners in this sport, and I pride myself in being one of them.
“That’s been a big focus going into 2025. I’ve had successful NASCAR seasons but not up to the standards that I expect for myself.”
