The legendary NFL coach and Joe Gibbs Racing team’s owner, has had one rule that’s been a staple for years: no racing on dirt. Specifically, his drivers were banned from racing in open-wheel cars like Sprint Cars, Midgets, and Micros. For years, this rule stood strong—especially tough considering most of his drivers, like Christopher Bell, grew up racing in the dirt. Once the NASCAR season winds down, they’re itching to get back to their roots.

Bell isn’t the only one. Joe Gibbs’ grandson, Ty Gibbs, grew up racing in Outlaw Karts, and now that Chase Briscoe is taking over the #19 car, he’s a huge fan of dirt racing, too. In fact, Briscoe doesn’t miss a Chili Bowl! So, with all this pressure mounting on Gibbs, it was only a matter of time before he caved. And that’s exactly what happened. He waived the dirt-racing rule, and Bell didn’t waste a second jumping back into action.

Christopher Bell won his first dirt race of the year

When Gibbs first announced that he would allow Joe Gibbs Racing drivers to participate in events outside of NASCAR, the community was shocked. Why? Well, because Gibbs is of the belief that, these events are injury-prone and that his team and drivers have a responsibility towards their sponsors and all the employees that depend on the driver’s performance for a livelihood. So when he waved off the rule, it was kind of a shocker. But later, JGR president Dave Alpern revealed the real reason behind it.

Alpern was on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, where he said, “There were some folks here that pushed coach a little bit… Over time, it was just a matter of letting things settle down a little bit. Now you get like, Chase Briscoe comes in. He loves doing it.” Yes, Gibbs’ concerns are valid, but letting drivers be closer to their roots and pursue other types of races helps build character and prowess. Even Alpern agrees, “Look I personally believe when those guys go run those things, it breathes new life into them.” So Gibbs being lenient is hopefully for the good.

Christopher Bell, of course, was ready to take advantage of this freedom. His first stop? The POWRi Outlaw Non-Wing Micro League at the Southern Illinois Center, where he dominated the race. Bell led all 25 laps, claiming his first feature win of the year. He started from the pole after being the fastest in the heat, but Parker Leek and Kole Kirkman weren’t easy to shake off, finishing second and third.

The #20 driver was clearly pumped after the race, especially since it marked his return to dirt racing after 2022. He said, “That race was completely different than the midget one; these micros take a lot to get around the top here, and this thing was on a rail with grip for days.” With Coach Gibbs officially giving the green light, Bell is now gearing up for his next challenge: the Chili Bowl. After his victory in Illinois, he’s feeling more confident than ever heading into Tulsa. “I definitely have more confidence heading into the Tulsa Expo Center,” He added. Speaking of the Chili Bowl, it was hilarious how Bell’s return to the national midget car racing event was announced.

Chase Briscoe gets his revenge

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Remember the time when Bell made a blunder? At a press conference before anything was made official, Bell revealed that Briscoe would replace Martin Truex Jr. It was when he was asked if his leadership role in JGR would increase with MTJ leaving, that he said he would help from his long-time friend Chase Briscoe. And at the time, JGR hadn’t announced anything. This made Bell a troll amongst NASCAR fans and Briscoe found it hilarious, but knowing his friend, it was a “classic Bell” moment for him.

But Briscoe, being Briscoe, could not let his soon-to-be teammate off the hook so easily. With his coach waving the rule, it was a given Bell was coming to Chili Bowl. But before Bell could make an official announcement, Briscoe saw the perfect opportunity for revenge. Briscoe posted the video of Bell’s interview slip-up from earlier this year on X and wrote: “Guess I’ll finally get him back for this, pumped to see Christopher Bell back at @cbnationals this year.”

With the score settled, Bell reposted Briscoe’s post with the caption: “See you guys at Chili Bowl 2025.” Before the two get to run together for JGR, they will go head-to-head at Tulsa. And don’t count Ty Gibbs out, he’s taking advantage of JGR’s waiver too, before Coach Gibbs changes his mind. But jokes apart, the Chili Bowl is going to be fierce with Busch and Kyle Larson also coming to compete!

Who do you think will win? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.