Joe Gibbs Racing has announced the lifting of restrictions on its NASCAR Cup Series drivers, allowing them greater freedom to participate in a variety of other motorsport disciplines, including dirt racing.
For years, JGR maintained restrictions on its drivers' participation in dirt racing, primarily to reduce injury risks and to keep their focus on their NASCAR commitments. This conservative approach ensured that drivers prioritized their responsibilities around their team.
The revised policy introduces a formal process for drivers to seek permission to compete in other motorsport events. JGR Founder Joe Gibbs explained to The Athletic:
"We sort of talked things over to come up with a process by which they can request to run certain races.
"If they get approval from everyone they need on our competition side, then they are free to run the race. That includes dirt, but also potentially other forms of racing."
An exciting addition to the JGR lineup, Chase Briscoe, is set to join the fray starting in 2025, taking over the No. 19 Toyota Camry from the retiring Martin Truex Jr. Briscoe has commented on the change:
"I could tell it wasn't a hard 'no,' but it wasn't something at the time they were super thrilled about.
"It didn't feel like the door was shut completely; there was definitely a crack. But I didn't know in my first year getting there, I would still be able to go do stuff if I wanted to."
Christopher Bell, already a celebrated talent on the dirt tracks, also commented:
"I was definitely caught off guard by the change of policy.
"I was super shocked, but with Chase coming on board and Ty growing an interest in dirt racing, it's nice we have the majority of our team aligned with it now."
He added:
"It's refreshing knowing I'll be able to do whatever I want to do.
"I'm super excited to reconnect with my dirt fan base and see everybody at a dirt track soon."
Bell has already taken to social media hinting at an appearance in dirt racing, posting:
"See you guys at a dirt track soon."
Ty Gibbs, who also drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, has also shown interest in exploring the dirt racing arena.
NASCAR Cup Series: 2024 Team Standings
- Team Penske - 5040
- Team Penske - 5035
- Hendrick Motorsports - 5034
- 23XI Racing - 5031
- Joe Gibbs Racing - 2412
- Hendrick Motorsports - 2383
- Hendrick Motorsports - 2342
- Joe Gibbs Racing - 2328
- Hendrick Motorsports - 2318
- Joe Gibbs Racing - 2257
- Team Penske - 2247
- Trackhouse Racing - 2226
- RFK Racing - 2208
- Stewart-Haas Racing - 2184
- Joe Gibbs Racing - 2169
- Wood Brothers Racing - 2122
- RFK Racing - 930
- 23XI Racing - 878
- Trackhouse Racing - 852
- Richard Childress Racing - 766
- Spire Motorsports - 711
- Front Row Motorsports - 630
- Front Row Motorsports - 624
- Stewart-Haas Racing - 612
- JTG Daugherty Racing - 590
- Stewart-Haas Racing - 584
- Stewart-Haas Racing - 579
- Kaulig Racing - 545
- Legacy Motor Club - 543
- Kaulig Racing - 515
- Spire Motorsports - 505
- Spire Motorsports - 504
- Richard Childress Racing - 493
- Rick Ware Racing - 488
- Legacy Motor Club - 447
- Rick Ware Racing - 371
- Beard Motorsports - 84
- Kaulig Racing - 77
- Live Fast Motorsports - 63
- RFK Racing - 62
- Legacy Motor Club - 60
- NY Racing Team - 51
- Richard Childress Racing - 47
- Power Source - 32
- 23XI Racing - 21
- Team AmeriVet - 2
- Front Row Motorsports - 1
Related Articles
- Christopher Bell Hints At Move Away From NASCAR After Removed JGR Restrictions
- NASCAR: TRICON Garage Confirms Tanner Gray's Future In Contract Announcement
- TNT Adds Letarte and Alexander to NASCAR Broadcast Booth with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- NASCAR: Kyle Petty Claps Back At Intense Joey Logano Backlash