For decades, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) banned its drivers from competing in open-wheel dirt racing events, a cautious but controversial policy. After seeing Hendrick Motorsports rival Kyle Larson start his own dirt track racing series (High Limit Racing), the move gained traction. JGR president Dave Alpern confirmed the team’s decision to relax the ban in 2024.
Some of JGR’s top drivers have always resented the ban on dirt racing. One of the loudest voices advocating for a change in the policy was dirt racing enthusiast Christopher Bell. Growing up racing dirt, Bell always hoped to return to the sport when he wasn’t driving a Cup car. Nevertheless, he wasn’t the only one pushing for a change. Besides Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs’ grandson and a rising star in dirt racing, Chase Briscoe, who has extensive dirt racing background, was also keen to get involved.
How did drivers get Dirt Racing greenlit from Joe Gibbs?
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With stars like Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe advocating dirt track racing, JGR faced mounting internal pressure. During an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Alpern revealed how the restriction had eventually worn down Joe Gibbs, who had maintained it for years. JGR also struggles to strike a balance between safety and freedom, while keeping the sport exciting.
JGR’s nearly 500 employees and many sponsors depend on the team‘s success as an example of the delicate balance between driver safety and organizational responsibilities. “People forget we have almost 500 employees, and they and the sponsors, and everyone are counting on the drivers so we have to protect these guys for their primary job,” Alpern said. Also, he credited Christopher Bell for helping the team reconsider its stance, noting, “I think to (Bell’s) credit, over time, it was just a matter of letting things settle down a little bit.”
Over time, Alpern explained, Joe Gibbs simply became unable to ignore their requests. “I think they just wore him out a little bit,” Alpern said. There was more to it than just the drivers pushing for the change, it was also about what dirt racing could do for their performance in NASCAR. Drivers can benefit from dirt racing, both mentally and physically, and it can even improve their performance in the Cup Series.
To be fair, the change didn’t happen overnight. The rule book wasn’t simply thrown out by Joe Gibbs Racing. The decision to allow dirt racing now requires careful consideration from senior leadership, including Alpern, Gibbs, and competition director Chris Gabehart. In order to meet the team’s safety standards, drivers must present their dirt racing plans. It’s green-lit only if everything checks out.
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However, safety is still a priority. Alpern joked, “If [Coach Gibbs] sees someone flip over a fence in May, he may revoke the pass.” He’s not wrong. It is still up to the team to decide whether a driver will be cleared to race despite the new policy. Safety is still top of mind. It’s a huge win for both JGR drivers and fans as a result of the policy change. It is now possible for Bell, Gibbs, and Briscoe to pursue dirt racing with JGR’s blessing. It will be exciting to see how this new chapter plays out, with some of NASCAR’s biggest names involved in thrilling dirt racing battles.
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Is Christopher Bell the unsung hero for bringing dirt racing back to Joe Gibbs Racing?
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Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe are ready for the challenge
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It was Ty Gibbs who took advantage of the change first. When the policy change was announced, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year was already competing in Micro Sprint races and testing Sprint Cars. He spoke about his excitement for the future, saying, “I’m glad it got lifted and hopefully we can see Christopher win a ton of races, and hopefully me too, and Chase.” Bell pushed tirelessly for the policy change, and Gibbs acknowledged the timing was perfect. The JGR team included Bell, Briscoe, and himself, making it the perfect storm for dirt racing to return.
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It was also welcomed by Chase Briscoe, who has a long history in dirt racing. Despite being limited by his twins’ schedule, he looks forward to the opportunity. Briscoe also shared his excitement, saying, “I’m thankful that they opened up the reins a little bit.” As a dirt racing enthusiast, Christopher Bell welcomed the chance to return to the sport that made him famous. It’s nice to know that he’ll have the flexibility to race when the schedule allows, Bell said, even though he hasn’t committed to any particular dirt race yet. “I’ll take it week-by-week,” he said. “It’s nice to know that it’s in my hands and the competition department’s hands.”
Their Cup commitments always come first, even though they are thrilled about their newfound dirt racing freedom. Briscoe was quick to point out that his main focus remains on the No. 19 car in NASCAR. “I want my main focus to be this No. 19 team. The desire isn’t there to go dirt racing only because I want to do this right,” he said. This policy shift represents a major turning point for JGR. This shows how much the team values its drivers’ individuality and passion, as well as its ability to adapt. Fans are excited about this change as some of the sport’s biggest stars are going back to their roots. Dirt racing is back, and JGR is all in.
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Is Christopher Bell the unsung hero for bringing dirt racing back to Joe Gibbs Racing?