Christopher Bell has firmly reiterated his Christopher Bell NASCAR Cup commitment, choosing to focus exclusively on the NASCAR Cup Series instead of pursuing the iconic Indianapolis 500, a dream he previously held. This decision comes after a standout 2025 season and reflects both his loyalty to Joe Gibbs Racing and his calculated ambition to secure multiple NASCAR titles.
Bumping the Indy 500 Dream for NASCAR Glory
Christopher Bell’s aspiration to race in the Indianapolis 500 was well-known, especially after his comments during the 2024 NASCAR awards event in Charlotte. Speaking candidly at the time, Bell had expressed willingness to attempt the Indy 500 if the opportunity arose.
“Yeah, for sure. If Toyota was interested in that, I would be raising my hand to do it. They haven’t been (just) a huge part of my career, they have been my career.”
— Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series driver. However, Bell’s remarkable performance in the 2025 NASCAR Cup season, where he notched four wins, has altered his trajectory and priorities.
The fabric of Bell’s decision is woven through Toyota’s complex history with the Indianapolis 500. When Toyota entered the Indy 500 in 2003, it brought major horsepower and even took home a win with Gil de Ferran before exiting after the 2005 season. Since then, Toyota has concentrated efforts on NASCAR, shifting the landscape for drivers like Bell who might have dreamed of following the old path to the Brickyard.
Recently, Bell discussed his updated perspective on competing in the Indy 500 on Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast. He made it clear that his current priority is achieving success in NASCAR.
“Well, I mean, I don’t think I have interest in running the Indy 500, and I had it before he did it. Uh, you know, for sure. But, you know, at this point in my career, like I’m definitely not willing to do anything to take away from that weekend in the Cup on the Cup side. And you know, I think it would be unfair for me to, you know, entertain the idea while I’m at this point in my career.”
— Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Stellar Season Builds the Case for Cup Commitment
The numbers from Bell’s 2025 season underscore why his focus has narrowed to NASCAR. With four victories—including a gritty performance at Bristol’s Round of 16—10 top-five finishes, 16 top-ten runs out of 29 starts, and 239 laps led, Bell is demonstrating the intensity needed for title contention. These results reflect the combined horsepower of Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota, and Bell’s maturing driving prowess.
Bell’s approach is forward-thinking. While he openly acknowledges that the Indianapolis 500 remains a possible ambition for the future, right now it takes a back seat to pursuing championship glory in stock cars.
“You know, maybe years down the road, if it gets to the point to where I am a multi-time Cup champion and um, you know, a Coke 600 title is like, okay, well, I can sacrifice a little bit here to go do it. But I’m not there right now. And I want to make sure that, you know, I focus on my day job and hopefully, one day I’ll get to run the Indy 500, but it’s not in the near future.”
— Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
This mindset signals that Bell views his current position in NASCAR as not only a priority but his central mission. His win in the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte and his ambitions to stack multiple Cup Series championships have set a standard for what he wants to accomplish before considering any detour into open-wheel racing.
Contrasting Bell’s Approach with Kyle Larson’s “Double Duty”
The question of balancing NASCAR with other motorsport commitments is highlighted by the high-profile efforts of rival Kyle Larson. Larson attempted the grueling “Double”—racing the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—for the second consecutive year, with both attempts ending in disappointment. In 2025, Larson crashed out in the Indy 500 on lap 91, finishing 24th, and then got caught in a crash on lap 246 of the Coca-Cola 600, ending his night in 37th. While Larson’s Cup campaign continues, his playoff ambitions have suffered setbacks from these physically and mentally demanding weekends.
For Bell, these experiences reinforce that chasing glory in multiple premier events may detract from maximizing performance in NASCAR’s signature championship battle. The discussion around “Double Duty” now inevitably compares both drivers, with Bell’s decision to focus squarely on NASCAR setting him apart in both approach and discipline.
Toyota’s Historic Ties and Speculation over an IndyCar Return
Although Toyota hasn’t participated in the Indianapolis 500 since 2005, the idea of the manufacturer making a return lingers in motorsport circles. Talks about a possible 2027 engine regulation shift have fueled rumors of Toyota returning to IndyCar, reigniting speculation about what might change for drivers under Toyota’s banner, including Bell. Still, nothing concrete links Bell’s personal career plan to these industry rumors, and for now, he is leaving the door to Indy open only for the long-term future.
Bristol Triumph Fuels Playoff Push Heading Into New Hampshire
Bell’s playoff journey received a significant boost following his latest triumph at Bristol Motor Speedway. The late-race pass catapulted the Joe Gibbs Racing driver into the playoffs’ next stage, injecting momentum as the Cup Series heads to New Hampshire for the Mobil 1 301.
Bell’s previous record at Loudon speaks for itself. He has claimed victory in two of the past three Cup races there, added a Truck Series win in 2017, and notched a recent Xfinity Series victory at the same track. Entering this weekend, Bell is the defending winner in all three major NASCAR national divisions at New Hampshire, a statistic that underlines his adaptability and skill at the venue.
Sharing his confidence and outlook for the upcoming challenge, Bell stated:
“I think we’re every bit as capable as any of the other 12 out there. It’s a good racetrack for us as a group, and we know what it takes to be good there, and it seems like our cars are really good. I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead. It’s just that all the Toyotas are super-fast right now. But we’ve got a long way to go to get to Phoenix, and it’s going to be a hard road, and everybody knows that.”
— Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series driver.
Bell and the Joe Gibbs Racing team now treat every lap at Loudon as crucial. A strong result would solidify Bell’s standing in the playoffs and further justify his singular focus on Stock Car racing over distractions from open-wheel opportunities.
Implications of Bell’s Commitment for NASCAR and Its Rivals
The choice to favor the NASCAR Cup Series over IndyCar showcases the intensely competitive and emotionally charged mindset Bell brings to his craft. With Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota fully behind him, the sense of unity and opportunity is fueling optimism that Bell could secure his first championship—or lay the groundwork for a dynasty in the sport.
Observers now speculate on whether Bell’s narrative might eventually intersect with a future “Double Duty,” following in Kyle Larson’s footsteps, or whether his commitment will deliver greater rewards in the Cup Series. The fierce competition in NASCAR’s Round of 12, and the lessons drawn from both success and misfortune, place Bell at the center of one of motorsport’s most passionate ongoing debates.
Ultimately, Christopher Bell’s NASCAR Cup commitment appears to be more than just a personal choice—it is a strategic bid for racing greatness, forged in the fires of past achievements and future goals. As Loudon approaches, fans and rivals alike will watch to see if Bell’s focus can take him all the way to Phoenix and bring home championship gold, even as the call of the Brickyard continues to echo in the distance.
