Christopher Bell, the noted driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota and reigning two-time winner at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, brought the thrill of NASCAR to Boston on Wednesday. The visit, a key moment leading up to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12 at New Hampshire in September, highlighted both Boston’s rich culture and the growing excitement for the upcoming race, making the Christopher Bell Boston NASCAR event a memorable day for fans and locals alike.
Boston Landmarks Explored on Duck Boat Tour
Bell’s day began with a lively Duck Boat ride through Boston’s storied streets, accompanied by New Hampshire Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager David McGrath and members of the press. Their guide, driver Tony, and narrator “The Great Garabaldi” entertained with a blend of historical insight and NASCAR references, playfully engaging both McGrath and Bell. Landmarks like the Omni Parker House, the Massachusetts State House, the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, the Public Garden, Faneuil Hall, and the bronze Make Way for Ducklings statues featured prominently on the route, offering Bell a full sense of the city’s heritage.
Bell’s experience took a playful turn when the Duck Boat splashed into the Charles River. Steering the boat himself, Bell performed sweeps across the water, lightheartedly simulating the famous donuts usually reserved for victory laps on the track.
Sampling Boston’s North End Delicacies
The tour continued with a stop in Boston’s North End, a neighborhood renowned as the city’s oldest residential community and famous for its Italian cuisine. Bell joined Head Chef Felipe Gustavo Pereira Santos and Chef de Cuisine Alonso Cedillas at Umbria, donning an apron alongside the experts to craft their signature Short Rib Caramelle Pasta. The chefs also presented an impressive array of appetizers—Potato Croquets, Cacio E Pepe Arancini, Antipasto Skewers, Chicken Parmesan Skewers, Caprese Skewers, Smoked Salmon Crostini, Sausage and Pepper Spiedini, Tomato, Basil and Garlic Bruschetta, and Prosciutto and Melon.
The culinary adventure was capped with a tour of desserts that included cupcakes, cannoli, tiramisu, beignets, and other classic sweets, highlighting the welcoming nature of the North End chefs and the hospitality of the Boston dining community.
Connecting with Young Fans at Boston Children’s Hospital
Refreshed from his visit to the North End, Christopher Bell ended his tour at Seacrest Studios inside Boston Children’s Hospital. There, Bell was joined by young patients in an engaging segment called Arty Party, where participants designed creative race cars, racetracks, and even new race suits for Bell, the 12-time NASCAR Cup Series winner. The studio‘s broadcast allowed all 470 rooms in the hospital to tune in, encouraging children to join the activities and share in the visit.
Before leaving, Bell distributed signed hero cards and plush New Hampshire Motor Speedway souvenirs, creating lasting memories for both in-person and remote studio guests.
Christopher Bell Reflects on His Boston Experience
As his day concluded and Bell prepared to return home from Boston Logan International Airport, he took time to reflect:
“It was an amazing day to get just the history of this place,”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
“Overall a really, really fun day, and I can’t wait to see everybody at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Round of 12 opener. It’s going to be a really important race, and a lot more serious when we come back to New England.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
With the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway drawing closer, Bell’s visit to Boston has brought added excitement to the city and strengthened community connections. Fans now look forward to witnessing Bell and other top competitors return to New England for one of the season’s pivotal events.
