"I think they just wore Coach out a little bit" - JGR's president explains decision to lift dirt racing ban amid Christopher Bell & Co. interest

Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) drivers, including Christopher Bell, are set to return to dirt racing after Joe Gibbs allowed their drivers to participate in dirt racing. JGR president Dave Alpern recently discussed the decision to lift their longstanding ban on dirt racing, a move that follows significant interest from their drivers Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and newly added Chase Briscoe.

Two years ago, JGR restricted their drivers from competing in extracurricular racing and other disciplines. The addition of Briscoe to the 2025 driver lineup made for three JGR drivers, including Joe Gibbs’ grandson Ty Gibbs and their star driver Bell, who all wanted the chance to participate in dirt racing.

Speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio about JGR’s decision to reverse the dirt racing ban for their drivers, JGR president Alpern said:

“I think they just wore him (coach) out a little bit, but to be honest with you, I think and look, Christopher was great about it, and I know many of his fans were disappointed about that, and look, I think there were a few injuries.

“We have almost 500 employees, and it's not just the employees; it's the staff and the people that are counting on their guys, and we felt like we have a responsibility to protect these guys, for this is their primary job. I personally believe when those guys go run those things, it breathes new life into them and helps them over here.”

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Christopher Bell reveals his potential dirt racing schedule in 2025

The #20 JGR driver, who has extensive experience in dirt racing, explained his flexible approach to taking part in dirt racing in 2025 alongside his full-time NASCAR commitments. Rather than adhering to a fixed schedule, Bell stated that he would evaluate his availability on a weekly basis.

Speaking to Sportsnaut’s Matt Weaver about his 2025 dirt racing schedule, Bell said:

“One thing I like to do when it comes to dirt racing is I don’t like to make a schedule. I really just go week-by-week, and if I think a week looks quiet, I’ll look for opportunities to go race, and then it’s a matter of who has a car available and can I get in it, things like that.”

Dirt racing veteran Christopher Bell has won the prestigious Chili Bowl Midget Nationals for three consecutive years. He is only the third three-time winner of the event, after Sammy Swindell and Kevin Swindell.