DRIVER SPOTLIGHT
‘We Have All the Pieces’ Q&A WITH CHRISTOPHER BELL
F
rom the moment Christopher Bell entered
the Toyota driver pipeline, he was destined for superstardom – and he hasn’t disappointed. Bell, now 27 years old and in his second NASCAR Cup Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing, has grown into his role with one of the sport’s Goliaths. Dating back to the end of the 2017 schedule when Bell joined JGR’s Xfinity Series program, there’s been an emphasis on getting the Oklahoma native to where he is now, contending inside the top 10 on a weekly basis. During his first two Cup Series seasons, Bell scored just one victory, with it coming as a bit of a surprise on the Daytona International Speedway road course. In his first playoff run last year, the No. 20 team was bounced out after the second round. Admittedly, Bell is still trying to find his footing at the Cup Series level, and he has leaned heavily on veteran JGR teammates Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. Particularly, he has
44
POLE POSITION 2022
BY DUSTIN ALBINO
a unique relationship with Busch, having driven for the two-time Cup Series champion’s team in the Camping World Truck Series. Recently, Bell discussed being the first driver to win for Rheem in the Cup Series, having Busch as a teammate compared to a boss, his relationship with champion crew chief Adam Stevens and why it was important to give Rheem its first win at the Cup Series level. HOW VALUABLE HAS THE PARTNERSHIP WITH RHEEM BEEN FOR YOU? It’s really cool to be Rheem’s driver. I remember watching them; they’ve been in the sport for a long time. Being able to be their driver is really cool. I remember when (Joe Gibbs Racing) told me they were coming on board in the Xfinity Series and being able to represent an iconic brand like Rheem that I had been watching as a kid growing up. They’ve been with me for several years, and I’m very proud and grateful to be their figurehead. LAST YEAR, YOU GOT RHEEM TO VICTORY LANE FOR THE FIRST TIME AT DAYTONA. HOW SPECIAL WAS DELIVERING THE COMPANY – WHICH HAS BEEN AROUND THE SPORT FOR 15 YEARS – ITS FIRST WIN? That was cool, and they’ve had a lot of great drivers. To be the first one was really special, and I hope there are many more to come. Rheem has been one of my biggest supporters over my entire career. I love them and have a good relationship with all the Rheem (executives) and I hope we’re able to continue our partnership for a while. PHOTOGRAPHY: RHEEM, GETTY IMAGES
