Joe Gibbs explains decision to let JGR drivers race on dirt after strong Atlanta showing from Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson had some epic battles on dirt this offseason, notably competing against each other in the Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl Nationals.

But whereas Larson has been a mainstay on dirt for years while also being an active NASCAR Cup Series driver, Bell only recently received clearance to compete during the offseason. Joe Gibbs lifted the ban after the 2024 season, allowing Bell, Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs the opportunity to go racing on dirt.

Gibbs further explained the decision following Bell’s victory in Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta.

Joe Gibbs on the decision to allow his drivers to race in sprint cars on dirt during the offseason, which has made Christopher Bell seem to be a happier Christopher Bell this season. Near the end I say the decision seems to be working. Gibbs still seems torn. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/1uwErq7VyO

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 24, 2025

“I did watch them,” Gibbs told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “But I think as much as anything, we have three of our guys that were heavily involved in dirt stuff coming up and I felt like the thing that I probably made the decision on — they’re really just focused on racing.

“They love it, and they talked about the offseason being able to get a chance to race in dirt stuff would help fill their time and get them excited about things. And so, we’ll kind of see where it leads, but I made that decision, and we’ll see what happens with it.”

Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson rivalry takes spotlight to open 2025 NASCAR season

Bell and Larson have a natural rivalry on dirt; they found themselves gunning for the win at Atlanta in what could have been an all-time finish. On the last lap of Sunday’s race, it looked as if Christopher Bell, Carson Hocevar and Larson were going to have a side-by-side-by-side drag race to the start/finish line. That is, until a multi-car crash behind them forced NASCAR to throw the caution flag. Bell was leading at the time the caution lights illuminated, making him the winner. Hocevar finished second, while Larson came away with a third-place finish.

Bell and Larson have battled for wins often over the last few months, and that likely will continue with still 34 races to go in the NASCAR Cup season.

“We’ve finished 1-2 a lot already this year, and honestly, would have been cool to be 1-2 again in the Cup Series here this week,” Larson said, via Cameron Richardson of NASCAR.com. “But he’s a really good driver, really good team and we are with our team. It’s fun to get to race with a guy I have raced with for a long time. Hopefully, you know, we’ll be battling for a lot more wins.”