Christopher Bell will honor his racing mentor, Rick Ferkel, during the upcoming Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway by sporting two special throwback paint schemes designed to replicate Ferkel’s most iconic car designs. Bell will drive the No. 19 Sport Clips Toyota GR Supra in Saturday’s Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race before showcasing a vintage Ferkel Sprint Car look on his No. 20 DEWALT Toyota Camry XSE for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at the Track Too Tough to Tame.
Bell, who credits Ferkel with giving him his start in sprint car racing, has always relied on Ferkel’s guidance throughout his career. Ferkel, known as the “Ohio Traveler,” was a legendary figure in the sprint car world, with more than 400 feature wins and a founding member of the World of Outlaws. He passed away on January 1, 2024, at the age of 84. Bell continues to honor Ferkel’s legacy by carrying a special decal on the dash of his No. 20 car every weekend.
“Rick really helped put me on the national scene by giving me my first opportunity in a full-blown sprint car,” said Bell. “He hired me when I was just a 16-year-old kid. I moved in with him and his family for a while, and after I left Rick Ferkel Racing, he became a life mentor, a driver coach, and someone I’d lean on for advice. Rick always preached to me to make sure I drove as hard as I could at all times, and I’m honored to get to pay tribute to him at Darlington.”
Both of Bell’s throwback designs for Darlington will feature a silver greenhouse area to resemble the appearance of a sprint car wing. Rick’s name will be prominently displayed above the name rail, and each car will emphasize the number “0,” a nod to Ferkel’s legendary sprint car career.
Cathy Ferkel, Rick’s wife of more than 49 years, will be in attendance at Darlington for the race weekend, along with several of Rick’s children and grandchildren, making the tribute even more meaningful for the Bell and Ferkel families.
As Bell takes to the historic Darlington track, this special throwback weekend will not only celebrate Ferkel’s legacy but also highlight the bond between mentor and mentee, ensuring Rick Ferkel’s contributions to Bell’s career are remembered by fans and fellow drivers alike.
