Christopher Bell benefits from midweek grassroots racing in NASCAR, and his approach this season has placed him among the top drivers in the Cup Series standings. With three wins during the opening sixteen races, Bell currently sits third, trailing only William Byron and Kyle Larson, and credits his sustained form in stock car racing to his ongoing involvement in dirt track competitions.
The Influence of Dirt Track Racing on Bell’s Career
Bell’s journey in motorsports began with dirt track events and sprint car races, much like Kyle Larson. Joe Gibbs Racing has supported Bell’s passion, allowing him to participate part-time in these grassroots races alongside his full-time responsibilities driving the No. 20 toyota/”>Toyota Camry XSE. In an interview with Jeff Gluck, prompted by Trackhouse Racing’s Daniel Suarez, Bell discussed how meaningful his dirt track racing experiences remain within his career.
The Mental Benefits of Grassroots Competition
In 2025, Bell has already competed in ten dirt races and expects to participate in a total of twenty or thirty by year’s end. While reflecting on the crossover between dirt track and Cup Series performance, Bell explained,
“Do I think running a dirt car directly helps running a Sunday Cup car? I do not. But it is a great mental reset to just get away from the grind of the Cup Series.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver.
Bell often points to the psychological relief provided by these extracurricular events. He acknowledges that, though the direct link between sprint cars and stock cars is unclear to him, excelling in one can have positive effects on his performance in the other. For Bell, the main purpose of stepping onto the dirt track is to decompress, especially after a tough weekend competing on ovals.
He further detailed,
“I don’t know how many times throughout my career, you have a bad Sunday, you debrief on Monday, and then you’re off Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, just stewing on your mistake or your bad race,”
—Christopher Bell, Driver. He emphasized the value of distraction in recovery, adding,
“If you have something during the week to go out and put your focus on something else, it helps to break that mental slide.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver.
Recent Achievements and Impact on the Cup Series Pursuit
Bell’s commitment to grassroots competition extends beyond mindset—he proved his skills with a win in the Non-Wing Outlaw division at the 2025 Tulsa Shootout, securing victory over Larson in a dramatic photo finish. Additionally, he triumphed in the prestigious Chili Bowl Race of Champions, an exclusive event drawing renowned dirt racing superstars.
With Bell indicating plans for more dirt races this season, he is poised to claim further victories at major grassroots events. As he continues to balance his grassroots background with Cup Series ambitions, Bell’s multifaceted approach may further increase his chances of ultimately achieving a championship title.
