In a chat with Bob Pockrass, that was shared via Twitter, Christopher Bell has admitted that he has a contract in place for 2020 to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing. However, what is not clear, is what series he will be driving in just yet.
“I will be with — or somewhere [with Gibbs],” Bell said.
Pockrass then pressed whether it would be in Cup or Xfinity and Bell deflected the question.
“No, not right now,” said Bell. “It’s a little bit too early to tell.”
This comes as Erik Jones is still searching for a contract extension, which has reportedly been close to happening in the past few weeks. If Jones does get a contract extension, but they still want Bell to get some Cup experience, the team could loan Bell out to another Cup Series team (such as Leavine Family Racing) for the 2020 season.
Regardless where he drives next season, Bell is just happy to be back with JGR for another year.
“It’s really good that I have a job and driving for Joe Gibbs Racing is where I want to be at. So I am thankful I get to go for another year.”
Christopher Bell says he has extended with JGR for a year through 2020. He still doesn’t know whether he will be racing Xfinity or Cup: #nascar ?@NASCARONFOX? pic.twitter.com/e5oxstRmjv
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 28, 2019
2 Responses
You missed another part of the puzzle. JGR’s tweet from yesterday. A pic of Bell and the words, “The next generation!” Why post that if it was just an extension to do the same thing? I may be reading too much in it but to me, it means he will be in cup and on the home team. What do you think.
Hey Mike, the longer Erik Jones goes without a contract extension (especially now) the less likely it looks that it will happen even if Jones and his Lawyer say it’s nearly done. I believe it all hinges on if Gibbs can find another loaner ride for Bell or Jones for next season. Either way, it’ll be a fun thing to watch!