Bell Sets Sights on Western World after another Asphalt Podium!

Lonnie Wheatley, NORMAN, Okla. (November 19, 2014) – Christopher Bell is set to add yet another crown jewel of dirt track racing to his victory ledger this weekend after posting another podium finish in the asphalt Late Model ranks.

With an outside shot at a second consecutive USAC National Midget title still a possibility, the 19-year-old from Norman, OK, will try to build upon his 2014 win total of 25 during this weekend’s 47th Annual Western World Championships at Canyon Speedway Park near Phoenix.

“We won a preliminary there last year, now we just need to get the big one on Saturday night,” Bell said of the Western World.

Bell was ever so close to snaring his 26th win of the year this past weekend, with only a late caution denying him in asphalt Late Model action at North Carolina’s Southern National Motorsports Park.

“We were really fast all weekend, qualified second and led a lot of it,” Bell said of his first 200-lapper aboard the Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 52.

Bell led the way at the 125 lap mark at which there was a stop for right side tires only, then held the point when a final caution flew with ten laps to go.

That caution proved costly, with Bell settling for second at the stripe for the second time in a row after posting his first asphalt win at Orange County just last month.

“It was just how the circumstances worked out, we had a good car all day though so we’re happy with second,” Bell said.

“It’s such a different style of racing,” Bell said in comparing the asphalt Late Model ranks in comparison to Sprint Cars and Midgets on dirt.  “It’s about being easy getting in and easy getting off the corners most of the day before you can really turn it loose, it’s just a different approach that you have to keep in mind.”

The young gun will get at least one more opportunity on asphalt in 2014 by competing in Five Flags Speedway’s Snowflake 100 in Pensacola, FL, on Saturday, December 6.

Before that though, there’s some dirt business to be taken care in the Keith Kunz Motorsports Midget with this weekend’s Western World Championships and then Turkey Night next Thursday at California’s Perris Auto Speedway with some asphalt practice mixed in between the Midget action.

“It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Bell concluded.

2014 Quick Stats:  102 races, 25 wins, 54 top-fives, 68 top-tens.

Next Up:

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Canyon Speedway Park (Peoria, AZ) – Keith Kunz Motorsports No. 71 Midget

Keep Track:  Keep track of Christopher Bell’s on-track action including schedule and results at http://www.christopherbellracing.com/.

If you would like to keep up with all of Christopher Bell’s racing action by having press releases e-mailed directly to you, simply send your e-mail address to Lonnie Wheatley at lonniewheatley@gmail.com.

Penning the recurring series of “The Wheatley Chronicles” articles on racinboys.com, Lonnie Wheatley provides media, public relations and more for select tracks, drivers and events.  For more information, Wheatley may be contacted at lonniewheatley@gmail.com.