Joe Gibbs Racing new recruit Christopher Bell expects better fortunes for the team after a “down year” in 2020.
Among the four drivers in the 2020 JGR lineup, three of them managed to get victories. Denny Hamlin pretty much made the numbers with seven wins, Martin Truex Jr. and 2019 champion Kyle Busch won one each. Despite nine wins for the team, it was considered a disappointing season for the team.
As for the driver that Bell is set to replace, Erik Jones finished in the 17th spot. Bell finished further below in the 20th spot.
Given the high level of expectations in the team, the drivers are expected to do better than in 2020. That’s what the new recruit believes the team is capable of doing.
“I think if you look at 2020 as a whole, it was definitely a down year for JGR, compared to what 2019 was,” Bell said.
“Martin (Truex Jr.) won Martinsville, and Denny (Hamlin) pretty much carried the banner, winning the majority of the races, and the 18 and the 20 had off years. I don’t expect 2021 to be like 2020.
“I think that Joe Gibbs Racing is obviously a power house team and they are focused on getting back to where they were in 2019.”
Bell might not be in the pressure to win races in his first year with the team but going to each race with a competitive attitude is what the driver is expecting from himself and the other teammates.
“Ultimately if we just keep putting ourselves in position and we are competitive enough, and we are fast enough, we have a good pit crew, we execute races and don’t make mistakes, that’s all we can ask for.
“Whether we win one time or we win eight times, just being competitive is the main goal.”
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