Christopher Bell, one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, is making waves with his outspoken stance on the sport’s future. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver recently urged NASCAR to fully commit to its mission of returning to its roots, advocating for more short-track racing and traditional-style events. While some see his comments as a genuine push for the sport’s betterment, others argue that his perspective is self-serving, given his background in dirt and short-track racing.
Bell’s Passion for Traditional Racing
Bell, who cut his teeth racing dirt cars and short tracks, has long been vocal about his love for NASCAR’s more grassroots-style events. He thrived in series like the USAC Midget ranks and the Camping World Truck Series, where short-track racing played a prominent role. Now a full-time Cup Series contender, Bell believes NASCAR should double down on this style of racing, which historically defined the sport.
“We’ve taken some steps, but we need to go all-in,” Bell said in a recent interview. “NASCAR was built on short tracks, on hard-nosed racing, and that’s what the fans want to see. We can’t just dip our toes in—we need to commit.”
His comments come as NASCAR has made efforts to incorporate more short-track races, including reviving North Wilkesboro Speedway and adding more dirt-track events, such as the Bristol Dirt Race. However, Bell insists that these moves aren’t enough, calling for even greater emphasis on grassroots racing.
Is Bell Being Selfish?
While Bell’s argument resonates with many traditionalists, critics suggest his stance is at least partially self-serving. His background in dirt and short-track racing gives him a natural advantage in those disciplines, meaning a NASCAR schedule that leans more heavily on these events would likely benefit him and other drivers with similar experience.
Opponents argue that NASCAR’s evolution toward intermediate tracks, road courses, and even street circuits has allowed for a more diverse group of drivers to compete at the highest level. They believe Bell’s call for a more traditional approach ignores the need for balance and modernization in the sport.
“It’s easy for someone like Bell to say that NASCAR should go all-in on short tracks,” said one industry insider. “That’s his bread and butter. But NASCAR is a national and global brand now. You can’t just cater to one style.”
The Reality of NASCAR’s Direction
NASCAR faces a delicate balancing act. While there’s undeniable fan demand for short tracks and nostalgic racing experiences, the sport also needs to maintain a broad appeal. Road courses and unique events, such as the Chicago Street Race, have brought in new audiences and sponsors.
Bell’s push for more traditional racing aligns with what many longtime fans desire, but NASCAR must consider all aspects of its growth. Short tracks may bring the excitement of close-quarters racing, but they also present logistical challenges, including ticket revenue limitations and facility updates.
Christopher Bell’s plea for NASCAR to return to its roots is both a reflection of his personal racing background and a call that resonates with many fans. However, NASCAR must find a way to balance tradition with progress. While short-track racing is essential to the sport’s identity, completely reverting to the past may not be the best path forward.
Bell’s passion for old-school racing is commendable, but whether NASCAR will take his advice and go “all-in” remains to be seen. The sport’s future will likely be shaped by a mix of tradition and innovation, ensuring that all styles of racing—and all types of drivers—have a place at the table.
