Christopher Bell will attempt to claim victory and a share of the $200,000 prize at the 42nd Annual Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, even as his demanding NASCAR commitments keep him on the move between Rossburg, Ohio, and tracks nationwide. The Christopher Bell Kings Royal Eldora Speedway effort highlights the driver’s enduring connection to sprint car racing while balancing his full-time Cup Series obligations.
Bell Returns to Sprint Cars for Eldora Clash
Set for Wednesday and Thursday, July 16-17, Bell will steer the No. 69k 410 winged sprint car during the Double Down Duels and Joker’s Jackpot at Eldora Speedway. The event, recognized as the division’s crown jewel, draws top talent from across the country. Bell, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, is determined to make his mark over these two nights despite the intense demands of his NASCAR schedule, which will prevent him from competing in the marquee King’s Royal feature on Saturday, July 19.
The Kings Royal offers a $200,000 payout, with the Joker’s Jackpot providing a $100,000 prize. Bell’s packed calendar features NASCAR events at Sonoma Raceway and Dover Motor Speedway, highlighting his ability to navigate cross-discipline racing challenges.
“NASCAR has the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. Sprint car racing has the Kings Royal and the Knoxville Nationals. Those are always the big events. The Kings Royal is a huge event and it’s always an honor to be a part of it, even if it’s only for the first two nights,” he said via Jayski.com
Past Triumphs and Sprint Car Experience Fuel Bell’s Hopes
Bell’s history at Eldora includes a Truck Series victory in 2015, as well as his first sprint car win at the clay oval in 2016 during the NRA Sprint Invaders event at the Annual Johnny Appleseed Classic. His continued enthusiasm for sprint car racing is evident in his ongoing pursuit of high-stakes sprint events, despite his primary NASCAR commitments.
Insights into the Realities of Sprint Car Competition
The six-time World of Outlaws feature winner often reflects on how racing across different motorsports translates to his NASCAR career. Sprint car events, he notes, require a unique set of skills and a high level of authenticity behind the wheel.
“Sprint car racing is just so real and raw and true. You can’t fake it. You’ve got to qualify well and you’ve got to race well. There are no pit stops. It’s just the driver and the car once it’s on the track. You still have a team. You have a crew chief and mechanics who work on the car, but it’s all really in your hands, and you can’t fake your way around a sprint car, that’s for sure,” he said (via aforementioned source)
NASCAR Standings and Upcoming Challenges
On the Cup Series side, Christopher Bell currently ranks sixth in points, a slip resulting from a difficult 24th place finish in Chicago. His prior effort at Mexico City brought him close to victory, though Shane Van Gisbergen’s strength on road courses proved decisive. Bell’s focus now shifts to Sonoma Raceway, as he aims for redemption and to add to his three-win tally this season. Despite the recent setback, he sits in third place in the playoff standings, showing continued promise for Joe Gibbs Racing and his crew chief guiding the team’s efforts.
What Bell’s Sprint Car Pursuit Means for His Racing Career
Christopher Bell’s willingness to compete at marquee dirt track events like the Kings Royal underscores his versatility and passion for motorsports. By returning to his roots at the clay oval in Rossburg, he enriches his skillset, builds on his previous wins, and remains a prominent figure across multiple racing disciplines. As Bell chases history at Eldora Speedway, fans and teams alike will watch closely to see how his drive and adaptability shape successes in both sprint car racing and the NASCAR Cup Series.
