Joe Gibbs Racing reverses policy, opens up opportunities for Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe

It has been known that Joe Gibbs Racing drivers were restricted from participating in dirt racing for the last couple of years. Now, according to The Athletic, that has changed for the NASCAR Cup Series organization.

Jeff Gluck of The Athletic broke the news about the new Joe Gibbs Racing policy, or the reversal of the old policy, that is. For drivers like Christopher Bell and the incoming Chase Briscoe, this is a huge deal.

Both Bell and Briscoe came up on dirt racing. According to Gluck, Ty Gibbs has taken an interest in dirt as well. All of that has culminated in Coach Gibbs removing his restriction.

“We sort of talked things over to come up with a process by which they can request to run certain races,” Gibbs said to The Athletic. “If they get approval from everyone they need on our competition side, then they are free to run the race. That includes dirt, but also potentially other forms of racing.”

Dirt racing is having another moment. Kyle Larson is a big reason for that. Not to mention his High Limit Racing series with brother-in-law Brad Sweet.

Now that this rule has been lifted at Joe Gibbs Racing we could have a NASCAR-filled Chili Bowl in January. Kyle Busch has already entered. But imagine if we get some combination of Larson, Bell, and Briscoe as well? That would be electric.

Joe Gibbs Racing opens up to dirt again

While it might seem minor, this is a big deal for Joe Gibbs Racing and its drivers. In the last few years, drivers have been turning to extracurricular series. Whether that is the CARS Tour, ASA Stars, or sprint car racing.

With how little practice there is in NASCAR at this point, and a few drivers disliking simulators, it makes sense. Getting their competitive juices flowing and competing at a high level on a regular basis is real.

Now, I don’t expect JGR to let Bell and Briscoe to race as much as Kyle Larson does. Then again, I don’t think anyone wants to race as much as that guy does. He is in a class of his own when it comes to all of that.

Joe Gibbs Racing is making a good move here. Get these NASCAR stars in front of other race fans, let them fall in love with them like they have Larson. Bell and Briscoe are both very talented on dirt and wouldn’t be in NASCAR without it. Fans will ultimately win from this decision.