HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. – Joe Gibbs Racing officials announced on Monday that Christopher Bell will take over driving duties of the team’s No. 20 Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2021.
The move has been expected since last week, when the team announced Erik Jones would not return to the team next season.
Bell is currently contesting his rookie season at NASCAR’s top level in Leavine Family Racing’s No. 95 Toyota. That team was recently sold by majority owner Bob Leavine to an as-yet unknown buyer, leaving Bell in lingo for 2021 as a result.
“I’m so appreciative of the opportunity I have this year with LFR and I want to finish this season strong for Bob (Leavine) and everyone there,” said Bell. “At the same time, I’m extremely excited to return to Joe Gibbs Racing starting in 2021. It’s an organization I’m very comfortable with and have had a lot of success with.”
Bell previously spent two full seasons driving for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, earning 16 victories in 74 starts for the team at the Xfinity level.
“We are excited to bring Christopher into our Cup Series program starting in 2021,” said team owner Joe Gibbs. “He obviously had tremendous success in the Xfinity Series with us and we look forward to his return to JGR.”