Christopher Bell accidentally spilled the beans Friday on who’s expected to replace Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing next season.
Last week, Truex announced his plans to retire from full-time racing at the end of the season. Reports have emerged since the announcement that Chase Briscoe is the favorite to be driving Truex’s No. 19 Toyota next year.
Bell basically confirmed the reports on Friday while speaking to the media.
The 29-year-old was asked if he would be taking on an increased leadership role at Joe Gibbs Racing once Truex departs. Bell answered that all the team’s drivers share leadership duties before inadvertently blurting out who else was joining them in the garage.
“Whenever Chase [Briscoe] comes into the car,” Bell said before realizing his slip-up.
“I don’t even know what to say,” an embarrassed Bell continued. “Whenever we have a new driver into the 19 car, whoever that is, their experience level will dictate how much input they have on the team.”
Oh man, anyone who has ever accidentally told someone a secret that was not meant to be told publicly, has to feel for Christopher Bell. While it’s embarrassing that he slipped up, at least it led to a really funny moment where everyone got a laugh. pic.twitter.com/y1JPeyK5TR
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) June 21, 2024
Briscoe has driven the No. 14 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing since 2021. He won the 2022 Ruoff Mortgage 500, which remains his one and only Cup Series victory. Briscoe also has 26 top-10 finishes in the Cup Series to date.
Since Stewart-Haas Racing is closing after the season, it’s no surprise that Briscoe would jump at the opportunity to drive for JGR.
Briscoe would slide in as Joe Gibbs Racing’s fourth full-time Cup Series driver alongside Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Denny Hamlin.
