Though his broken left wrist has reached the point where it no longer pains him to drive, Christopher Bell acknowledges that the cast on his arm still affects his ability behind the wheel.
“I’m comfortable driving the car,” Bell said. “It’s just big moments are a problem—counter-steering, racing in traffic, the extracurriculars. I’ve said that from day one. I just can’t drive as well as I normally can, but trying to make the most of it.
“I’m just not able to respond as quick as I usually am without the cast on my wrist.”
Accordingly, Brent Crews, who took over for Bell in a relief role last Sunday at Naval Base Coronado, again will be standing by on Sunday at Sonoma.
During the week between races, Bell’s No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team enjoyed a round of golf at legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links on the California coast. For obvious reasons, Bell was unable to participate.
“I didn’t hang out here with them,” Bell said. “I wish I could have. It was really cool that they got to do that.
“I think I could probably drive better than I could golf with a broken wrist, that’s for sure—drive the car, not the ball.”
Bell starts 14th Sunday.
