“It’s Pretty Close to Hatred”: Christopher Bell Reveals Joe Gibbs’ Dislike for Extra-Curricular Activities Outside NASCAR Unlike Coy Gibbs
There are a good number of NASCAR Cup drivers, which are not limited to just one series. Instead, they are expanding their horizons and ready to compete in other racing series. Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson is well known for this, as is former champion Tony Stewart. Even Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell is known for racing outside of the NASCAR arena. Sadly, it looks like her extracurricular activities may be coming to a halt soon.
Part of his recent interview with David Gravel was posted to Twitter by @The_Work_Area. He said, “I love the Chili Bowl, it’s a very special place for me. Without a doubt, the biggest event I grew up at, when I was a kid. It means the world to me that I was able to earn it.
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But Joe Gibbs has been extremely vocal about his – I don’t want to use the word hate – but it’s pretty close to hate towards track racing. He doesn’t like track racing or open wheel racing at all.
What convinced Christopher Bell to pursue his dirt racing career?
Apparently, Bell had the late Coy Gibbs to thank for helping to secure breathing room to simultaneously continue the dirt races. Young Gibbs may have had some influence on his father. However, without him, the older Gibbs has stood up to competition in other racing series.
AVONDALE, ARIZONA – MARCH 07: Christopher Bell, driver of the No. 95 Toyota Procore, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series FanShield 500 at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Bell continued, “Me and Coy [Gibbs] had a great relationship. I always tracked my stuff on the dirt roads through Coy. He loved it, he thought it was really good for me to do it. He was kind of telling his dad that we talked about it, and he thought it was okay for me to do that.
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“Obviously Coy passed away in November and I kind of lost that connection. Joe was talking a lot about me, not track racing. So right now I’m not going to be racing track.
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We can see where Joe Gibbs is coming from because there is a risk of a driver getting hurt. This would cause a huge headache for the team, especially if they had to draft a quick replacement. Additionally, the driver’s absence could potentially cost the team the owners’ championship.
WATCH THIS STORY: NASCAR Insider confirms rumors as he puts Christopher Bell in the same bracket as Kyle Larson for their absence from the Chili Bowl