Christopher Bell Expresses Interest in Indy 500, but Only if Toyota Joins the Event

NASCAR driver Christopher Bell, known for his role with Joe Gibbs Racing and his strong ties to Toyota, recently revealed his desire to compete in the legendary Indy 500. However, Bell made it clear that his participation would depend on whether Toyota, the automaker that has supported his racing career from the start, decides to enter the prestigious open-wheel event.

During an interview at the NASCAR Awards, Bell spoke candidly about the possibility of racing in the Indy 500, saying, “Yeah, for sure. If Toyota was interested in that, I would be raising my hand to do it. They haven’t been just a huge part of my career, they have been my career.” Bell emphasized the deep connection he has with Toyota, explaining how the company has supported him from his early days in racing, helping him progress from semi-professional levels all the way to the NASCAR Cup Series.

“Toyota has literally taken me from childhood semi-professional or amateur racing all the way to the Cup Series, so I would love that. I would love if they would do it, and I’d be the first one to raise my hand to do it,” Bell added, showing his enthusiasm for the opportunity, should the situation align with his current racing commitments.

Bell’s comments come just weeks after a controversial end to his 2023 season, where he narrowly missed out on a spot in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4. After initially securing his place in the final round of the playoffs, Bell was hit with a penalty for “wall riding” during the race, which ultimately allowed William Byron to take his spot in the championship finale. Bell expressed his frustration over the situation, claiming that the race had been unfairly manipulated in favor of Chevrolet drivers. In an interview with NBC Sports, Bell explained that the circumstances forced him into a position where he had to take risks to secure his place, which led to his penalty.

“I feel cheated. I feel cheated out of a chance to compete for a championship,” Bell stated. He described how the race, in his view, had been manipulated by other drivers, particularly by Chevrolet-backed teams, which ultimately influenced the outcome of his race and the playoffs. Bell said that the race’s unfair dynamics had put him in a difficult position, forcing him into the controversial wall-riding move, which he defended as unintentional.

“My intentions were never to ride the wall. I didn’t gain an advantage riding the wall. It was not a move. I don’t believe that I broke the rule,” Bell said, explaining that his decision to use the wall during the race was a result of trying to gain every possible position as the race evolved. He also revealed that, as the race neared its end, he realized his chances were slim due to the way other drivers were performing, and he knew his only hope was to pass Bubba Wallace, which he did before the race concluded.

While the NASCAR penalties and controversy over the 2023 season may have left Bell with a bitter taste, his interest in the Indy 500 demonstrates his versatility and ambition as a driver. However, Bell’s stance remains clear: any potential transition to IndyCar would require Toyota’s support. As of now, Toyota has no direct involvement in the Indy 500, but with Bell’s clear passion and loyalty to the brand, he could be a key player if Toyota ever decides to enter the world of open-wheel racing.

For now, Bell’s focus remains on NASCAR, where he continues to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing and aims to build on his career in the Cup Series. However, with the future of motorsport constantly evolving, fans may one day see Bell behind the wheel of an IndyCar, should Toyota decide to join the ranks of teams competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.