"Christopher Bell is improving NASCAR's credibility": Influencer makes opinion clear after Joe Gibbs' star wins Golden Driller at Tulsa Shootout

On Saturday, Christopher Bell maintained his class in the Sprint car race at Tulsa, Oklahoma, after the Joe Gibbs Racing driver claimed the Non-Wing Outlaw victory. Following his Golden Driller win, Eric Estepp, a popular NASCAR influencer hailed the #20 driver and praised him for uplifting NASCAR's image in the American racing scenario.

For the first time since joining Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell was given the opportunity by JGR to compete in a non-NASCAR event by Joe Gibbs. As Bell grabbed the opportunity, he did not let his team, and Joe Gibbs down after he triumphed at Sprint car race ahead of fellow NASCAR driver, Kyle Larson.

Besides grabbing the glory for himself, and Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell also put NASCAR's name on the forefront by winning the race against drivers from all sectors and series of competitions. Speaking about this, here's what Estepp said about Bell in his latest YouTube video:

"I'm glad Joe Gibbs allowed Christopher Bell to return to this event, return to his home state of Oklahoma," Estepp said. "NASCAR desperately needs stars, and last night we saw Larson and Bell put their talent on full display." [1:08 onwards]

"Bell is building his own brand, improving NASCAR's credibility and in turn is boosting the popularity of the Cup Series team he drives for. I'm glad Joe Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing seized the value in Bell running these kinds of events," he added. (1:08-1:39)

Bell, driving the #21X car, held off Hendrick Motorsports driver Larson to win the 55-lap Non-wing Outlaw main event on Saturday. However, he could not do much in the Winged A-class and Stock Non-wing segment competitions.

---

Christopher Bell expresses gratitude towards Joe Gibbs after Golden Driller victory

Christopher Bell (20) during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After he claimed the victory on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Christopher Bell showed his gratitude for Joe Gibbs, the owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. An extremely elated Bell thanked Gibbs for allowing him to race at Tulsa, his hometown, after multiple years.

Here's what he said:

"I’ve got four words: Thank you, Joe Gibbs!" Bell said in a post-race interview. "Oh my gosh, man. I live for moments like that. Driving these race cars, especially here at Tulsa, there’s nothing else like it." [via NASCAR]

Joe Gibbs Racing never allowed its drivers to compete in other races, as they did not want to risk their drivers. However, in November, Gibbs revealed that JGR will allow its drivers to try out other racing series.

The #20 JGR driver will also compete in the Chili Bowl Nationals from January 13 to January 18 this year, alongside his JGR teammates Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs, HMS driver Kyle Larson and RCR driver Kyle Busch. Christopher Bell will continue to race for Joe Gibbs Racing in the #20 Toyota Camry XSE. He will drive alongside Denny Hamlin, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs.