Bell’s Michigan crash marks NextGen era’s toughest hit, yet he’s cleared to race

Christopher Bell endured the hardest crash of the NextGen era at Michigan when he was slammed into the wall by Chase Elliott, triggering a SAFER Barrier repair and the largest Delta-v change recorded in the NextGen era. Bell suffered a left wrist fracture (with undisclosed ankle injuries) but has been cleared to race at Pocono; NASCAR and Joe Gibbs Racing safety reviews—focusing on head surround foam and other protections—will inform ongoing safety discussions after the incident.