During the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis on July 30, 2023, NASCAR driver Christopher Bell took the unusual step of personally apologizing to the team of Zane Smith after causing a crash that ended Smith’s chances for a top-10 finish. Bell, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, collided with Smith’s car during an overtime restart, sending it into the wall and effectively destroying the No. 38 team’s hopes for a strong performance.
Replays of the incident showed Bell making contact with the rear of Smith’s vehicle, turning it sharply to the right. Despite the nature of the crash, there had been no previous altercations between the two drivers, dismissing any notions of intentionality. In the aftermath, Bell’s immediate acknowledgment of the mistake garnered significant respect from the racing community.
Taking Responsibility in the Pits
After the race, Bell made a conscious decision to seek out every member of the Front Row Motorsports garage to offer his apologies. He explained his thought process at Iowa Speedway this week, stating, “It was really bad. That was a really, really bad mistake on my part. I made up my mind literally the second after I said, ‘I have to apologize to everyone.’”
Bell began his rounds by approaching the pit crew, who were dismantling their setup. He expressed his regret to them directly before attempting to locate Smith, who was unavailable at the time. Instead, he engaged with the crew members, ensuring that his accountability was acknowledged.
“I was prepared for any outcome,” Bell admitted, noting that the fear of potential backlash did not outweigh his need to take responsibility for the incident. His proactive approach not only showcased his character but also earned him goodwill from the No. 38 team.
Reactions from the Team
In a sport where post-race apologies typically occur days later, Bell’s decision to confront the team immediately was met with appreciation. Ryan Flores, a tire changer for Smith’s team, expressed his admiration on the Stacking Pennies podcast, stating, “For the first time ever, a driver walked up to all of our pit crew guys and apologized. That takes balls after you wreck somebody’s stuff to go and stop and say, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry.’”
Flores emphasized the rarity of such a gesture in NASCAR, highlighting how Bell’s actions set a positive example in the sport. “It’s one thing to call the driver on Tuesday, but to go face all the guys and do that, that’s really one of the first times I’ve remembered that,” he added.
As Bell prepares to start the next race in Iowa from 17th on the grid, his actions have solidified his reputation as a driver who values sportsmanship and accountability. With the NASCAR Cup Series season continuing, Bell’s gesture serves as a reminder of the importance of respect and responsibility among competitors.