Christopher Bell-Kyle Larson Dirt Duels May Return with JGR Shift on Drivers Racing Beyond NASCAR
In recent years, the world of dirt racing has seen a surge in popularity, driven in part by high-profile NASCAR drivers like Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson. Both drivers, known for their exceptional skills on dirt tracks, have been key figures in bringing dirt racing to the forefront of motorsports fans’ attention. Their backgrounds in dirt racing are well-documented, and their participation in events like the Chili Bowl Nationals, World of Outlaws, and other dirt series has sparked talk of a potential return to the dirt duels—racing head-to-head in non-NASCAR series. With a potential shift in NASCAR’s policy on drivers racing beyond the sport’s traditional confines, the prospect of these dirt duels becoming more common could become a major talking point for both fans and teams.
The Rise of Dirt Racing in NASCAR
Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are two of the most recognizable names in modern dirt racing. Larson, a California native, has established himself as one of the most versatile drivers in motorsports, with a particular affinity for dirt racing. His dominance in sprint car racing and his success in the World of Outlaws series have earned him a dedicated following among dirt fans. Similarly, Christopher Bell, who grew up racing on dirt tracks, has been a standout in events like the Chili Bowl Nationals, where he has earned multiple victories. Bell’s commitment to dirt racing is evident in his regular participation in dirt events, even while competing in NASCAR’s Cup Series.
Both drivers have also succeeded in NASCAR, with Larson claiming a Cup Series championship in 2021, and Bell becoming one of the sport’s rising stars at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Their achievements in both worlds have fueled discussions on how NASCAR could embrace more crossover opportunities for drivers to compete in both NASCAR and dirt series. These types of dual commitments could potentially lead to a resurgence of the dirt duels, where Larson and Bell—along with other NASCAR drivers—could race head-to-head on dirt tracks.
JGR’s Influence and NASCAR’s Changing Landscape
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), where Christopher Bell drives, has been a key player in this discussion. The team has been traditionally focused on supporting its drivers, allowing them the flexibility to pursue other racing opportunities. In recent years, JGR has shown a greater willingness to allow its drivers, like Bell, to race outside of NASCAR’s tightly regulated schedule. This openness could play a pivotal role in shaping how NASCAR teams approach the growing trend of drivers competing beyond their primary series.
NASCAR’s stance on allowing drivers to compete in other series has evolved, with more drivers seeking opportunities in dirt racing and other disciplines. While NASCAR has previously been cautious about drivers spreading themselves too thin, the increasing popularity of dirt racing has led to a re-evaluation. The rise of dirt tracks like Eldora Speedway, which hosted a NASCAR Truck Series race for several years, has demonstrated that fans are keen to see the crossover between traditional NASCAR racing and dirt events. With Larson and Bell being top drivers in both worlds, NASCAR and its teams may be more inclined to support their endeavors in dirt racing.
The Potential for the Return of Dirt Duels
As NASCAR becomes more supportive of driver participation in other racing series, it’s possible that fans could see more “dirt duels” between Bell, Larson, and other NASCAR stars. These races would likely take place at prominent dirt events such as the Chili Bowl or the World of Outlaws series, where Larson and Bell have previously excelled. These types of races would be a thrilling spectacle, drawing fans from both dirt racing and NASCAR, and potentially introducing new audiences to the world of dirt racing.
The return of these dirt duels could be a game-changer for both NASCAR and dirt racing. For drivers like Bell and Larson, it offers an opportunity to stay connected to their roots while continuing to compete at the highest level in NASCAR. For fans, it provides the chance to witness two of the best drivers in motorsports going head-to-head on the dirt tracks they know and love.
Conclusion
With NASCAR’s increasing flexibility on driver participation in other racing series and the growing popularity of dirt racing, the potential for the return of dirt duels featuring stars like Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson is high. Joe Gibbs Racing’s openness to supporting its drivers’ ventures beyond NASCAR, combined with the passion these drivers have for dirt racing, could lead to a new era of crossover events that unite fans of both NASCAR and dirt racing. For motorsports fans, this means more opportunities to see their favorite drivers competing on the dirt, and perhaps even more Bell-Larson showdowns, making for an exciting future for the sport.
