After being involved in a horrific crash with Chase Elliott during the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Michigan International Speedway last week, Christopher Bell is all set to make his return to racing this weekend at Pocono. However, he is unsure if he will be racing at the upcoming road courses.

The crash happened on Lap 148 of the Firekeepers Casino 400. Bell and Elliot were in a battle for second place, but Elliot lost control of his car. This resulted in the Hendrick Motorsports driver hitting the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, which sent him into the barriers at around 200 mph, and Bell fractured his left wrist.

During his media availability at Pocono, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was questioned by NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass if he was good to go for the upcoming road/street courses in San Diego and Sonoma. 

"It's certainly going to be hard," Bell replied (via Cup Scene on YouTube). "You know, I'm just going to play it week by week and see how I feel today in practice at Pocono, and then you know, after the race."

The No. 20 driver, who was seen wearing a cast on his left wrist, further revealed his preparations for the road courses as recovery continues.

"And I have done a couple of sim sessions at San Diego, and I mean, I feel like I was able to get through, you know, an hour or two in the simulator and do okay. So yeah, I'm thankful that it's another seven days away. I think certainly it's going to be a week-to-week thing," he added.

While ovals like Pocono might be a smooth ride for Christopher Bell, the road/street courses might pose a challenge. This is mainly because of bumps on the long straights and maneuvering different kinds of corners.

Sonoma is a physically demanding track, especially Turn 1, which is an uphill left-hander and one of the most challenging parts of the road course. Moreover, the street circuit NASCAR is creating in San Diego can be expected to be bumpy and a tough ride for any driver.

As for the Pocono race, the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing driver is fully committed to completing the 400 miles. 

Christopher Bell Gears Up to Take Over NASCAR's "Tricky Triangle"

Christopher Bell was cleared to race at Pocono by the doctors earlier this week, as he did not require surgery for the fractured wrist. For now, Bell is expecting to complete the entire 400 miles of NASCAR racing at the 2.5-mile tri-oval.

While talking to the media on Saturday, he said:

"It’s either going to be I’m going to commit to the race, and I’m going to do it, or I’m going to be out and just start and ride around until the first yellow. But, as of right now, I’m full commit planning on running 400 miles."

If Bell is unable to compete in the full race, Brandon Jones, who drives for the team in the O’Reilly series, is on standby to take over the car from Bell. Jones has also stepped into the simulator as part of his preparation to take over the car if need be. 

Bell also spoke about a few adjustments the team has made to the car to accommodate his cast. It will be interesting to see how he performs at the  "Tricky Triangle."

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Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yash Kotak