Christopher Bell to compete in Xfinity Series race in Mexico City

“I have always respected Sam and what he’s done in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” Bell said in a statement. “For such a young team owner to come onto the scene and have success and be part of Toyota has been a big deal. Being part of this team is something I look forward to being a part of and hopefully fighting for Sam Hunt Racing’s first-ever Xfinity Series win.

“It will be a unique experience going to a new racetrack for most of us in the series, and hopefully it provides a good learning experience before the Sunday Cup Series race. It will be a double-header Mobil 1 weekend for me in the XFINITY car and the Cup car.” 

Christopher Bell, Sam Hunt Racing partner up for Mexico City Xfinity Series race

Bell, the Cup Series regular, has made one Xfinity start this season. That came at Darlington Raceway, a P25 finish driving the No. 19 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. He took the checkered flag in both of his starts last season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Darlington, respectively.

Bell has been on a tear to start the 2025 Cup season. He became the first driver to win three consecutive Cup races in the Next Gen era and currently sits third in the points standings. Now, he’ll look to deliver Sam Hunt Racing its first win in Xfinity competition.

“This is without a doubt an extremely exciting opportunity for our organization, having Christopher come to SHR with a genuine desire to battle for this team’s first win in Mexico City,” Sam Hunt said. “Christopher’s talent and ability speak for themselves, but he’s also a great friend and a guy who has always supported this team and our growth over the years. Anytime we run strong, he seems to be the first Cup driver to reach out, to encourage us to keep pushing.

“Now, in partnership with the Mobil 1 family, we’re finally able to work together as one team. It’s special to see Christopher’s excitement match ours, and we’re working our hardest in the shop to put Christopher and Dean [Thompson] in a position to run extremely strong south of the border.”