Christopher Bell makes a mistake and mentions Chase Briscoe as a future teammate

LOUDON, NH – D’oh.

Throughout the year, many NASCAR Cup Series personnel moves are referred to by industry personnel as “worst kept secrets,” but Christopher Bell reached a new level Friday afternoon at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

With Bell Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. retiring after this season, Chase Briscoe has been the driver mentioned as the heavy favorite to replace him. But JGR has yet to officially announce Briscoe’s signing.

Bell almost addressed that during a media session Friday, where he was simply asked if he would take on an increased leadership role with the team next year.

“It could be whoever has a good race that week – so I don’t think there’s really a leadership role in that aspect and every time Chase gets in the car,” Bell said before s ‘interrupt.

As the reporters laughed, Bell looked exasperated and tried not to laugh. He lowered the microphone and looked at members of the JGR standing across the room.

He then tried to continue:

“Every time a few. Every time. I do not know what to say. … Whenever we have a new driver in the 19 car, whoever it is, their experience level will dictate their contribution to the team.”

Because he didn’t say Briscoe’s last name, one of Chase Elliott’s teammates decided to have some fun:

Briscoe was looking for a 2025 driver when Stewart-Haas Racing announced last month it would cease operations after this season.

Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He spent decades covering motorsports, including more than 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.