Christopher Bell scored his 10th career win in the Xfinity Series in only his 48th start. Bell can not stay in the Xfinity Series after this year. He will most likely be on the move to the cup series next season, but what car and team will he drive for?
After Kyle Busch’s win on Sunday at Bristol, Team owner Joe Gibbs said, “Christopher’s got a place with us long term, and so does Erik (Jones)” So this leaves three options for Bell next year.
Joe Gibbs said he has long-term plans for both Erik Jones and Christopher Bell: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/64XkwhfaA2
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 7, 2019
1. Bell Replaces Denny Hamlin in the 11 Car
Why it Could Happen
In 2018, Denny Hamlin went winless for the first time in his career. Hamlin also failed to advance past the round of 16 in last year’s playoffs. Hamlin has yet to produce a championship in 13 years with the team. Hamlin is on the back end of his career and the move out of the 11 could come sooner rather than later.
Why it Won’t Happen
In 2017, Hamlin signed a contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing and Fedex. Details were not released for how long it was for, but he said, “I’ll be much grayer” when the contract extension ends. Hamlin has also picked it up to start 2019 with two wins and he currently sits 2nd in the standings. Hamlin has been a top force at Gibbs for years and don’t expect that to be changed next year by Christopher Bell.
2. Bell Replaces Martin Truex Jr in the 19 Car
Why it Could Happen
Truex has had a slow start this year for the team’s standards. The 2017 champion has two 2nd place finishes, but he hasn’t been that threat every week like he was in the 78 car. Truex has not found victory lane since Kentucky in July of last year. Detaails of Truex’s contract are unknown so maybe Bell could move into the ride next year.
Why it Won’t Happen
Truex is the 2017 cup champion. Since the beginning of 2016 when Furniture Row Racing had the alliance with Gibbs, Truex has 16 wins. It would be very hard to remove Truex from the ride as he also has sponsorship in the form of Bass Pro Shops and Auto Owners supporting him. This is another unlikely scenario for Bell next year.
3. Bell Joins Leavine Family Racing
Why it Could Happen
This is the likeliest scenario for Bell next year. He would team up with Matt Dibenedetto and ride with that team until a spot opens up at JGR. Gibbs would most likely give more support to the team since Bell would be there. It would be a replay of Erik Jones when he drove the 77 for Funriture Row Racing in 2017 before going to the 20 in 2018.
Why it Won’t Happen
Bell could not have the sponsorship backing him up to do a season at Leavine Family Racing. Bell does have Rheem in the Xfinity Series, but if they aren’t willing to make the move to cup, it could prevent Bell from going to LFR for 2020.
Conclusion
Bell is a sensational talent that needs to get to the cup series next year. As long as sponsorship is there, Bell should be with Leavine Family Racing next year. That would allow for JGR to keep their all-star lineup and it would get Bell experience in cup for when the ride at Gibbs does open up.
