Christopher Bell to make Xfinity debut with Joe Gibbs Racing

The 22-year-old Norman, Oklahoma native will make his debut in the No. 18 Camry at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27 as well as Kansas Speedway on Oct 21 Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 4, followed by Phoenix International Raceway and the NXS season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 18. Bell’s schedule will also include driving the No. 20 Toyota at Iowa Speedway (June 24) and Richmond International Raceway (Sept. 8). 

“As a kid growing up in Oklahoma it’s always been a dream come true to be able to race in one of the NASCAR’s top series,” Bell said. “Over the past three years, Toyota has given me the opportunity to compete at the truck level with Kyle Busch Motorsports. Going to JGR is something I didn’t dream of as a kid because it wasn’t something I dreamed was a possibility. 

“Now with this tremendous opportunity in front of me, it is obviously a dream come true. I couldn’t be happier than to be with the team I’m at. To be able to race seven races at JGR is something that every kid would love the opportunity to do. I’m very thankful for it and we’re going to go out here and try to make the most of it.”

Bell, who currently drives the No. 4 Tundra for Kyle Busch Motorsports, was the only rookie in the Camping World Truck Series to transfer to the final four in the 2016 playoffs after winning at Gateway Motorsports Park last year. This season, Bell won from the pole at Atlanta Motor Speedway and is currently second in the standings behind defending champion Johnny Sauter. 

Bell kicked off the season by winning the 2017 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa. He’s the 2013 USAC National Midget champion and has earned 26 feature wins on dirt. 

“Christopher has quickly made his mark in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and should be able to use that experience toward his debut in the NASCAR XFINITY Series,” said Steve deSouza, Executive Vice President of XFINITY and Development for Joe Gibbs Racing. 

“He has confidence and is eager to showcase his talents at Charlotte Motor Speedway and we are excited to see what he can do in the JGR Toyota’s for his seven races."