Christopher Bell has reaffirmed his commitment to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), expressing a strong desire to remain with the team throughout his racing career. Bell highlighted the positive influence of teammate Denny Hamlin, especially after Hamlin’s recent multi-year contract extension with the organization.
Bell spoke candidly about Hamlin’s role in shaping the team’s dynamics and supporting younger drivers like himself, emphasizing the value of Hamlin’s experience and leadership within JGR.
Bell Highlights the Advantage of Having a Veteran Teammate Like Hamlin
In a recent interview shared on X by Frontstretch, Christopher Bell was asked about the impact of Denny Hamlin’s presence at JGR and whether Hamlin’s career path inspired him. Bell called having Hamlin as a teammate “a big advantage,” acknowledging Hamlin’s potential Hall of Fame status as a crucial asset to the team.
He praised Hamlin’s commitment to JGR, describing the driver as a bedrock for the team’s roster, which blends seasoned veterans alongside emerging talent. Bell welcomed Hamlin’s contract extension and celebrated the stability it brings to the team’s future.
Regarding his own future, Bell expressed a clear wish to stay connected with JGR indefinitely, stating,
“Yeah I love it at JGR and I certainly don’t want to go anywhere else, so, I hope I get to finish out my career with them.” —Christopher Bell
The Influence of Hamlin’s Driving Style and Data Sharing
Bell pointed to Hamlin’s distinctive style on the track as not only impressive but also practically beneficial, particularly at tracks where Hamlin excels, such as Martinsville. Bell credited Hamlin’s data and setup insights for helping improve his own car’s performance significantly. He explained,
“I know I’ve talked about the Martinsville test a couple years ago before where he’s the man of Martinsville, he really helped improve my team by just me studying his data and I’m getting in the car and helping with the setup of the car too.” —Christopher Bell
Hamlin’s influence goes beyond individual races, serving as a mentor figure who raises the competitive level of his teammates. The veteran driver, who recently extended his contract through 2027, currently leads the Cup Series with 58 career wins. This season, Hamlin has continued his strong performance with four victories, including the latest at Dover International Speedway.
Christopher Bell’s Notable Performance at Dover Reflects Team Momentum
At the AutoTrader EcoPark Automotive 400 held at Dover International Speedway, Christopher Bell demonstrated renewed speed and competitiveness, key highlights in his 2024 season. Starting in third position after a solid qualifying session, Bell maintained a strong position behind Chase Elliott in Stage One, finishing second in that segment.
Bell’s breakthrough came in Stage Two when he overtook Elliott to claim his first stage victory of the season, leading a total of 67 laps in his #20 Toyota Camry XSE. Despite encountering two spins in the final stage—one early during a lead battle and another close to race end—Bell avoided major damage and completed the 400-mile race in 18th place.
Reflecting on his performance after the race, Bell shared with Frontstretch,
“Yeah, it’s just refreshing to have speed again. You know, we haven’t had pace. And today we were able to lead laps, get stage points, won a stage. So, that is something that I’m super excited about and proud of.” —Christopher Bell
Although Bell acknowledged that his mistakes limited a higher finish, he stayed optimistic about his progress, adding,
“Even though I made mistakes and I spun out whenever I probably shouldn’t have spun out, you know, we’re going for the win… that’s been a long time coming.” —Christopher Bell
Season Progress and Future Prospects for Bell at JGR
Currently placed sixth in the Cup Series points standings, Christopher Bell has delivered a season marked by promising highlights. With three victories, eight top-five finishes, and twelve top-ten results across 21 starts, Bell’s recent performances hint at growing consistency and competitiveness.
His commitment to Joe Gibbs Racing and the mentorship from Denny Hamlin appear to be pivotal as Bell navigates the challenges and opportunities of the current NASCAR season. His expressed desire to conclude his career with JGR underscores the team’s role in fostering emerging talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
