Since capturing the 2017 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title, Christopher Bell has only returned to the series on one occasion, taking on a fill-in role for Harrison Burton at Bristol in 2018.
However, in a couple of months that will change, as Bell will compete in one of the most highly-anticipated events in the series’ history, running at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 20.
Bell, who finished third in NASCAR Cup Series point standings in 2022, will join forces with championship-winning organization Hattori Racing Enterprises to pilot the No. 61 Toyota Tsusho Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
Hey @CBellRacing are you ready for some @NASCAR_Trucks action @NWBSpeedway?@Tsusho | @ToyotaRacing | @NASCARONFOX | @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/yZxM7RCvkq
— Hattori Racing (@Hattori_Racing) March 17, 2023
The Norman, Oklahoma-native is the second NASCAR Cup Series driver to declare his intentions of competing in the historic event, after William Byron, who will pilot the No. 51 Chevrolet Silverado for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
Since moving on from the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he scored seven victories in 54 starts, Bell has accomplished great things in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series.
The 28-year-old is a 17-time winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a four-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series but has yet to secure another NASCAR National Series championship despite several close calls.
Earlier this year, Hattori Racing Enterprises confirmed to TobyChristie.com that the organization would be scaling down to a single full-time entry in 2023, which has been piloted by Tyler Ankrum. North Wilkesboro is set to mark the team’s first appearance with the No. 61.
