Joe Gibbs’ Big-Mouth Driver Applauds NASCAR’s New “Black and White” Rule After Falling Victim to Nature’s Wrath

Well, who did not expect Christopher Bell to be all giddy before his New Hampshire run? Already holding a stunning history at the 1.058-mile oval, he had additional new updates that thrilled about this season. Last year, he had to endure agony during the Chicago street race after it was decided the race would be cut short due to impending darkness, but a rule change that will impact races affected by bad weather has Bell feeling relieved.

Christopher Bell has had a remarkable run at “The Magic Mile” in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He’s won all three of his starts there, in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Over those races, the 29-year-old led an astonishing 430 of the 600 possible laps, showcasing his dominance on the track.

“Christopher Bell Rule,” has the JGR driver feeling excited

Apart from success in the Xfinity Series in Loudon, Bell has been impressive on the track in Cup Series as well. In just four starts, he’s secured a win and a runner-up finish, and this victory two years ago sparked a dramatic second half of the season, propelling the Oklahoma native to a run into the Championship 4. However, this record doesn’t mean that Bell has not seen a fair share of trouble here, with weather being the main culprit.

In 2021, he finished 0.697 seconds behind winner Aric Almirola after NASCAR called the end of the race with 8 laps to go due to impending darkness. Then, last year in the Chicago street race, Bell again had to suffer despite leading a race-high 37 laps. The officials decided to shorten the distance. Bell ultimately finished 18th, after the race was shortened from 100 laps to 75 as he had to restart from 12th after the pit stop.

Even though the teams are full of proficient engineers and crew chiefs, these last-minute surprises can really shake up the field, which is exactly what happened last year in Chicago.

In solution to this, we now have a new procedure [rule] implemented this year that allows teams to know what would exactly happen to the race, in case of bad weather, particularly focusing on procedures for race completion. This is again important considering NASCAR officials, till now, had the flexibility to adjust the race schedule and format, with the teams being in limbo. NASCAR Insider Bob laid out the rules further in a tweet, “Instead of telling teams race ends on a certain lap, NASCAR to tell teams to what time they race. Once they hit that time: leader passes start-finish line -then next time leader passes start-finish is white flag -then next time checkered.”

Talking about this, Christopher Bell said, “I’m very, very glad that it is black and white now. There is a rule in place.”

“It is just ironic—at Chicago and at Loudon—both times. I think those are the only two times in recent times that darkness has hindered the race, and I’ve been one of the prime [victims] of it. I’m very, very happy that there is a black-and-white rule now, and it is nice to not have a guessing game. It is what it is,” he added.

Further emphasizing how the weather and darkness affected the Chicago Street Race last year, the JGR driver said, “Guys in the back half of the field just took a 100% gamble on what NASCAR was going to do, and it rewarded them because they won on the gamble, and the guys that were trying to race the race properly – to the full distance – got bit by it. Now, at least, if that situation comes up, we will all know that the race is getting white-flagged at X time on the clock. I think having a black-and-white rule is always good.“

During the interview, as the conversation took multiple turns, the PRN journalist, Doug Rice, couldn’t resist asking if they could call the new rule, the “Christopher Bell Rule” already. A happy Bell, with a smile, replied, “I would love that.”

Bell is excited about the rule change and it is possible that in his excitement he let out a crucial piece of news regarding JGR’s future. When asked about his position in the “leadership dynamic at JGR” and whether he felt the need to assume a larger role next year with Truex’s departure he inadvertently, let slip, “Whenever Chase comes into the car [Oops, laughs Bell].” Thus, revealing Briscoe’s rumored move to JGR ahead of any official updates.

Meanwhile, as he gears up for another chance to prove his mettle on NHMS, his expectations for the Loudon weekend are sky high. But what about the weather? Will it be on his side?

Weather Gods are in a different mood already!

Rain is not new to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, and it looks like things will be no different this year as well. With rain already hitting the track ahead of the race weekend and forecasts predicting thunderstorms, NASCAR has adjusted its schedule and rules to prepare for the worst. As the Xfinity Series practice session on Friday was canceled due to heavy thundershowers, the same was expected to happen on Saturday and Sunday. But now it is confirmed.

Bob Pockrass was quick enough to give fans a weather update. In a post shared on X, he wrote, “Have rain tires to race in damp (not rain). Cars have defoggers, no wipers (use RainX). Likely 60-75 min to dry, poss less to run in damp. No lights. Sundown 8:30p ET. Any decision to move start time by 1hr would be made w/24-hr notice. If Mon, time TBD. Last yr: Noon ET.”

Bell is targeting a fourth successive win of the season and given his record at Laudon, it may be not be that far fetched. Already, positive about the rule change this season, he will be keen to stamp his authority as he looks to take the crown from Cole Custer.

NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to minimize uncertainties and disruptions caused by bad weather are commendable. However, it remains to be seen how the weather-affected weekend at Loudon will unfold.