The anticipation is soaring as Pegasus, the sleek Mobil 1-sponsored machine driven by Christopher Bell, prepares to take flight at Bowman Gray Stadium, affectionately known as “The Madhouse.” This legendary quarter-mile track is the perfect battleground for Bell, who’s set to showcase his talent and Mobil 1’s horsepower in a weekend packed with high-stakes racing.
The Pegasus Story
Formula 1 Driver Could Make His NASCAR Debut After Missing Out 4 Years Ago
**Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91**
Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut.
—
### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars**
Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1.
Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR.
—
### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity**
Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut.
In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.
—
### **Challenges and Logistics**
Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar.
Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine.
—
### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR**
Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart.
—
### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment**
For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer.
If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.
The Pegasus design, featured on Bell’s car, represents speed, power, and grace—all qualities synonymous with both Christopher Bell and Mobil 1’s performance legacy. As the Clash weekend approaches, fans have already been buzzing about seeing this striking paint scheme under the lights at Bowman Gray, where every inch of track space becomes a proving ground.
Bell, one of NASCAR’s rising stars, has embraced the challenge of racing at Bowman Gray, a track known for its tight turns, high tempers, and unforgettable finishes. The Clash will test even the most skilled drivers, and Bell is ready to take on the challenge with Pegasus leading the charge.
Christopher Bell’s Thoughts
“Bowman Gray is one of the most unique tracks in racing, and I can’t wait to bring Pegasus out there,” said Bell. “It’s a track where anything can happen, and you’ve got to be aggressive, smart, and ready for the unexpected. Mobil 1 has been a fantastic partner, and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got to put Pegasus in Victory Lane.”
Bell’s confidence comes as no surprise. Known for his smooth yet aggressive driving style, he’s proven time and again that he can handle high-pressure situations. With Pegasus at his side, he’s looking to write another chapter in his growing NASCAR legacy.
The Madhouse Atmosphere
Bowman Gray Stadium has a reputation for producing some of the most exciting and unpredictable racing in NASCAR. The tight quarters of the track force drivers to be bold, while the intensity of the crowd only adds to the drama. For Bell and Pegasus, it’s the perfect setting to make a statement.
Mobil 1’s support will be on full display, both in the design of Bell’s car and the performance under the hood. The Pegasus car symbolizes Mobil 1’s commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering excellence, aligning perfectly with Bell’s determination to win.
What to Expect
As Bell prepares to unleash Pegasus at The Madhouse, fans can expect a show unlike any other. The combination of a talented driver, a bold sponsor, and one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable venues promises unforgettable moments. From Saturday’s heat races to Sunday’s Clash, Bell’s mission is clear: dominate the competition and take Pegasus to Victory Lane.
With the Pegasus paint scheme and Mobil 1 power, Christopher Bell is ready to take flight. And at Bowman Gray, where the unexpected is always expected, all eyes will be on the No. 20 as it soars into action.
Related Posts:
Formula 1 Driver Could Make His NASCAR Debut After Missing Out 4 Years Ago
**Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91**
Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut.
—
### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars**
Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1.
Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR.
—
### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity**
Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut.
In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.
—
### **Challenges and Logistics**
Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar.
Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine.
—
### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR**
Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart.
—
### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment**
For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer.
If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.
