It was basically a foregone conclusion when Joe Gibbs Racing announced last week that Erik Jones would not be returning to the No. 20 car for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, but JGR made the news official on Monday with a press release. Christopher Bell will move to the organization’s No. 20 machine next season.
“We are excited to bring Christopher into our Cup Series program starting in 2021,” said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, in the release. “He obviously had tremendous success in the Xfinity Series with us and we look forward to his return to JGR.”
Bell, has been driving for JGR technical ally Leavine Family Racing in his rookie season, but with LFR selling their assets and charter for 2021, JGR had to make a move to keep their blue-chip talent.
For Bell, he’s just appreciative of the opportunity that he was afforded with his one year at Leavine Family Racing.
“I’m so appreciative of the opportunity I have this year with LFR and I want to finish this season strong for Bob (Leavine) and everyone there,” said Bell. “At the same time, I’m extremely excited to return to Joe Gibbs Racing starting in 2021. It’s an organization I’m very comfortable with and have had a lot of success with.”
Bell amassed an impressive 15 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. Now, he’ll return home next season.
Through 22 races in 2020, Bell has recorded one top-five finish, five top-10s and he sits 19th in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings. He has four races left to work his way into Playoff contention.
