Dirt track racing is woven into the very fabric of NASCAR’s history. The sport’s inaugural race in 1949 was held on dirt, and for years, dirt tracks were the proving grounds for stock car legends like Lee Petty and Richard Petty. By the 1970s, however, NASCAR shifted entirely to paved tracks, leaving behind its dusty origins. Yet, dirt racing never truly disappeared. It remained a fan favorite at grassroots levels, celebrated for its raw excitement and unpredictable nature.

In recent years, NASCAR has flirted with a return to dirt racing at the Cup Series level. Now, drivers like Christopher Bell are advocating for a more significant return to dirt racing, arguing that it adds a unique challenge to the sport. But what does it mean for NASCAR to truly go back to its roots, and how might this impact the sport’s future?

Growing up in Norman, Oklahoma, Bell quickly made a name for himself, winning events like the Chili Bowl Nationals and the Eldora Million. His success on dirt tracks earned him a reputation as one of the most talented young drivers in the country and eventually paved his way into NASCAR. Dirt racing wasn’t just a stepping stone for Bell. It was his passion and identity as a driver.

In recent years, NASCAR experimented with dirt races at Bristol Motor Speedway from 2021 to 2023. Reflecting on these events during the Barstool Racing podcast, Bell said, “So dirt racing, a lot of it depends on the track preparation. That first year in 2021, the track was not prepared properly and we ended up racing in the middle of the day. It was blowing dust. None of the drivers could see, the fans got filthy and it was a disaster. But then whenever we went back in 2022, we had a night race. The weather wasn’t great but the track was better. We ended up seeing a really good race and then 2023 was probably the best one that we had. The track was beautiful..”

As Bell explained, Speedway Motorsports Inc. had already announced NASCAR’s decision to set up the Food City Dirt Race. Fans were limited due to COVID restrictions, but the message the SMI received was clear. “There has been so much buzz and excitement around the inaugural Food City Dirt Race weekend that with NASCAR’s blessing, we are thrilled to announce that we will be bringing back dirt in 2022 as part of the NASCAR Cup Series spring schedule,” said Jerry Caldwell, general manager of SMI.

Fans had a treat watching drivers go against each other on dirt. It was the first time since 1970 that a NASCAR race Cup Series race had been run on dirt. Interestingly, that let the race winner, Joey Logano, break a record of sorts, the first NASCAR Cup Series dirt race winner in over 50 years. However, these records are not what Bell wants the race to become a mainstay.

“Personally, I enjoy seeing dirt races on the schedule because it just adds another skill set that the drivers have to have. They want to be, you know, one of the best in the sport. But, I will say having a one-off race like we did on the dirt, allows teams to not take it very seriously. I don’t know. It seems like you need more of it for the teams to take it seriously like road course racing and road course racing went down that same path where people didn’t take it seriously. If you didn’t have a road course driver, then it was like another awful week. So, you know, I think you have to go either all in and have two or three of them or stay out of it,” he explained.

Now what Bell is asking NASCAR isn’t completely strange. If we look at how road course circuits have become mainstays in the last few years, teams have started bringing in specialist drivers who know these road courses well. Names like Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch, or even A. J. Allmendinger, all have found their footing in teams because of their road course ability. Why not do the same for dirt tracks? Perhaps NASCAR will find its next greatest driver on these dirt tracks.

However, Bell’s advocacy for more dirt races isn’t entirely altruistic. For years, Joe Gibbs Racing banned him from competing in dirt events due to concerns about injuries jeopardizing his Cup Series career. This restriction frustrated Bell, who saw dirt racing as essential to staying sharp and competitive. “I did have some resentment. It bothered me… sitting on the couch watching races, watching Kyle getting to go do all the stuff, all the fun stuff that I wanted to do,” he explained.

Only recently has the ban been lifted, allowing him to return to his roots. And, it’s paying off. Bell is in the best form of his life in 2025, with three wins this season already this season. His verdict on dirt races is clear, it’s about getting more time in the car. “The more you race, the better you get.”

For Joe Gibbs, the experiment has paid off. At the start of the season, he had explained his decision. “They love it, and they talked about the offseason being able to get a chance to race in dirt stuff would help fill their time and get them excited about things. And so, we’ll kind of see where it leads, but I made that decision, and we’ll see what happens with it.” 

For Bell, expanding dirt racing would not only honor NASCAR’s origins but also create more opportunities for drivers like himself who thrive on its unique challenge. Can NASCAR fully embrace its roots without alienating teams and fans accustomed to modern paved tracks? With Bell leading by example both on and off the track, perhaps it’s time for NASCAR to reconsider how much dirt belongs in its future.

The logistics and challenges of incorporating more dirt races

Adding more dirt races to the NASCAR schedule presents unique logistical challenges that go beyond the excitement of racing on unpaved tracks. Dirt racing requires specialized track preparation, including watering, grading, and compacting the surface to ensure it holds up during high-speed competition.

Transporting equipment for dirt races also complicates logistics. NASCAR teams rely heavily on haulers to carry race cars and tools between events. While paved tracks allow for relatively standardized setups, dirt races require teams to pack additional equipment, such as specialized tires and parts for dirt-specific adjustments. This adds complexity to the already demanding process of loading and unloading haulers, which is often compared to packing a four-bedroom house every week.

Moreover, unlike traditional oval or road courses, many dirt tracks are not equipped with the facilities needed to host top-tier NASCAR events. Building temporary pit areas, garages, and spectator amenities requires significant investment from both NASCAR and track owners. The logistical hurdles are amplified when considering the need for night races to mitigate visibility issues caused by dust—a lesson learned during the Bristol Dirt experiment.

It’s a strategic decision that could redefine the sport’s identity. While it reconnects NASCAR with its roots and appeals to fans of grassroots racing, it also demands significant adjustments from teams and organizers alike. So, is NASCAR ready to embrace these challenges for the sake of honoring its heritage?