After a disappointing end to the season, Bell might be seeking redemption everywhere he can. The Martinsville race manipulation/wall ride controversy left him feeling cheated. His strong comments in Phoenix about the Martinsville race, including using terms like "race fixing," showcased his frustration. But now, with the freedom to race dirt again, a new and improved Bell could emerge.
He has been one of the best in the Next Gen era and arguably the top Gibbs driver during this time. With the addition of extra races and a touch of fun, Bell might be able to take his performance to new heights. Just like Kyle Larson, who attributes a lot of his success to dirt racing, Bell could tap into that potential in the coming years and elevate his stock car racing.
The news of dirt racing's return for JGR drivers was announced today following a report from Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. Bell expressed his excitement on Twitter, stating "See you guys at a dirt track soon." This shows his eagerness to get back on the dirt and continue his racing journey.
Joe Gibbs' decision to allow drivers to request the races they want to compete in and granting permission for most is a practical approach. It provides a certain level of flexibility while also ensuring safety. While there may be a few exceptions for races and tracks where wrecks are more common, overall, this is a step in the right direction for the team.