Christopher Bell recently shared how dealing with mixed opinions from NASCAR fans has affected him, noting that unlike in his younger years, he wasn’t disliked by anyone growing up. In an interview with Jeff Gluck of The Athletic, Bell candidly addressed misunderstandings about him as his public image shifted after joining NASCAR. The 30-year-old driver, whose career began with micro sprint racing in the early 2000s, explained that his once widely positive reception during his teenage racing days changed once he entered the NASCAR arena.
Bell remarked,
“Nobody disliked me. Then you get into NASCAR, and I don’t know if it’s because people don’t know the individuals, or maybe I have changed and I’m just an a**hole, but I’ve definitely got people who don’t like me now. I’m like, ‘I don’t understand how anybody could not like me.’ I never had people dislike me as a kid growing up, and now I do.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Bell’s NASCAR Career Development and Milestones
Christopher Bell’s NASCAR journey began with a strong start when he won the Truck Series championship in 2017. He quickly made an impact in the Xfinity Series, securing seven wins during his rookie year. His Cup Series debut came in 2020 with Leavine Family Racing. The following year, Bell transitioned to Joe Gibbs Racing, quickly becoming a formidable competitor in the top tier of NASCAR.
He earned his inaugural Cup Series victory at Daytona’s road course and has continued to excel, accumulating 12 wins so far. Bell’s recent performance has been particularly impressive, with a three-race winning streak in March across Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas (COTA), and Phoenix.
Building Confidence Amidst Intense Public Scrutiny
Bell revealed that consistent sponsorship and support from Joe Gibbs Racing have been crucial in boosting his confidence both on and off the track. This backing has enabled him to speak more openly about his experiences and challenges.
He explained,
“I know what changed, and it was single-handedly the confidence and commitment I got from my team and my sponsors. This sport is so tough because you’re scrutinized to the sharpest of margins.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Bell added that once he secured his stable position in the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE, he felt comfortable enough to express himself more freely without the fear of jeopardizing sponsorships or his career.
“It clicked once I solidified myself and my position. … It allowed me to open up more knowing hopefully I don’t say the wrong thing, but you’re not walking on pins and needles and eggshells trying to make sure you don’t screw up and have a sponsor get away.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver
Controversies and Shifts in Fan Perception
The change in how fans perceive Bell may have roots in certain racing incidents that put him in a contentious light. A notable moment was last fall at Martinsville, when Bell’s move to block Ross Chastain’s aggressive “Hail Melon” maneuver led to Chastain losing a spot in the Championship 4. This event appeared to mark the start of a shift in fan sentiment toward Bell, blending scrutiny with admiration for his competitive drive.
The Impact on Christopher Bell’s Future in NASCAR
Bell’s evolving public image underscores the pressures drivers face in NASCAR, where performance and personality are judged intensely. His ability to maintain focus, backed by team support and sponsorship stability, has allowed him to navigate these challenges effectively. As Bell continues to compete as a top front-runner in the Cup Series, his openness about struggles and growth may resonate more with fans moving forward, potentially reshaping how he is viewed within the sport.