Joe Gibbs has confirmed Christopher Bell is dealing with multiple injuries following his heavy crash with Chase Elliott during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
The Joe Gibbs Racing owner revealed Bell is currently managing wrist and ankle injuries after the Lap 147 incident.
While Bell was evaluated and released from the infield care center, the full extent of his condition remains unclear ahead of next weekend’s race at Pocono Raceway.
Joe Gibbs provides Christopher Bell injury update after Michigan crash
Bell was involved in one of the biggest accidents of the race when contact with Chase Elliott sent both drivers hard into the outside wall.
The impact was severe enough to damage the SAFER Barrier, forcing NASCAR to halt the race for an extended repair period.
Bell exited his car under his own power and was later evaluated and released from the infield care center. Gibbs subsequently revealed the driver of the No. 20 Toyota is dealing with injuries to both his wrist and ankle.
“I think it’s just we’re going to continue tonight. When he gets home, we’re going to make sure that he gets everything that he needs to get there, whatever it might be, and then we’ll just have to kind of wait.
“So, it is his wrist and his ankle, I think, so we’re just going to have to wait.”
The comments represent the first indication of any physical issues Bell suffered following the crash, with Joe Gibbs Racing yet to provide any additional update.
As things stand, Bell’s condition will continue to be monitored in the days leading up to Pocono.
Chase Elliott apologizes after triggering major Michigan accident
Elliott accepted full responsibility for the incident and immediately sought out Bell after both drivers climbed from their damaged cars.
The Hendrick Motorsports driver explained that he lost control underneath Bell before over-correcting and making contact.
“I just really, really hate that happened, first and foremost. I want to apologize to Bell and the whole 20 team. That was my fault.”
Elliott also revealed he checked on Bell immediately after the crash because he knew the impact had been substantial.
“I mean, it was a huge hit. Huge hit for him. Pretty big hit for me, too.
“I just wanted to make sure he was alright and just tell him ‘I’m so sorry,’ because that was not at all my intention for that to happen.”
Although Elliott said he escaped the accident without any lingering issues, Bell’s status remains one of the major storylines to monitor before the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Pocono Raceway.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
