Christopher Bell “Bummed” over NASCAR’s All-Star Race U-Turn

Christopher Bell didn't hesitate to voice his disappointment with NASCAR not going ahead with the 'Run What Ya Brung' idea at All-Star.

Christopher Bell “Bummed” over NASCAR’s All-Star Race U-Turn

Christopher Bell (Via IMAGO)

NASCAR had come up with a very ambitious idea for the All-Star race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. The concept, named the ‘Run What Ya Brung’, enabled the teams to modify their cars as per their wishes, as long as the car was within the safety standards. However, amidst intense backlash on this idea, NASCAR decided to ditch this idea and run the race under standard conditions. Christopher Bell, who eventually won the race, is among the other side of drivers who initially liked the idea and wanted it to be implemented.

The All-Star race is one of the bigger events hosted by NASCAR that puts forth some interesting conditions for the race winner. Primarily, the $1 million cash prize for the drivers is one of the highest for a single race amongst any other motorsport. Still, despite receiving such massive sums of prize money, the teams were concerned with the financial risk involved with the ‘Run What Ya Brung’ concept.

Christopher Bell cited his disappointment with NASCAR’s sudden U-turn on the decision to go ahead with their idea. Bell highlighted that he was bummed after finding out about the race being run under normal circumstances. The 30-year-old reckoned that the concept was very cool and could’ve given some new racing conditions for the teams and drivers.

Still, he also accepted the reason for declining the concept as the teams ran a much bigger financial risk with the ‘Run What Ya Brung’ concept. The No.20 driver asserted that going ahead with this idea would have made the All-Star race a very expensive event. However, Bell lamented that he enjoys trying different things as his chance was declined this time around.

I was bummed that we didn’t get to do the ‘run what you brung’ thing. I thought that was really cool. I understand the reasoning behind it, and how it does make it a really expensive event, but I genuinely enjoy trying different things.

Christopher Bell told CupScene.

Christopher Bell labels All-Star race as ‘great opportunity’ to improve NASCAR

The massive $1 million prize to the winner has remained the same since the 2003 season as it provides a great incentive to the drivers to race hard and win. While there has been no massive changes to the racing format at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, Christopher Bell believes that the racing venue has much more potential than NASCAR is currently tapping into.

Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell (Via @CBellRacing/X)

Christopher Bell reckons that experimenting with different concepts and ideas could prove to be beneficial for NASCAR. While the racing format has remained the same, a refreshed idea could really cause a great influx of fans to a newer concept. Additionally, Bell pinpointed that the All-Star race and the Cook Out Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium are two racing venues that have great calibre to improve the sport’s quality.

I would have loved to try something and see if you hit on something. I think this and the Clash are two events that are great opportunities to try and improve our sport.

Christopher Bell noted.

The Next-Gen cars have continued to be problematic for the drivers around the short tracks. NASCAR wanted to fix this issue with the ‘Run What Ya Brung’ idea before the massive backlash it received. Now, the drivers will prepare for the main event as they set their eyes on the massive financial prize. Time will tell if the teams and drivers allow the sport to test with different concepts to boost its popularity and racing action on the track.

Read more: Brad Keselowski Urges NASCAR to Move All-Star Race to Charlotte