Bell, currently third in the Cup standings this season, will make his second start of the year with Hattori Racing Enterprises, driving its No. 61 Toyota in Saturday’s race.
The 2017 Truck Series champion competed with the team at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway in May and finished 16th.
“I am extremely thrilled to return and have the chance to compete in the Craftsman Truck Series once more, representing Shige Hattori and the entire Hattori Racing Enterprises team,” expressed Bell, who has previously secured a victory at Pocono in the Truck series.
“I believe our performance at North Wilkesboro was strong, although it didn’t work out in our favor in the end. I had a great experience collaborating with the team and appreciating their commitment. The upcoming race at Pocono will be relatively brief, so our focus will be on devising and adhering to a solid strategy.”
Tyler Ankrum, Hattori Racing Enterprises, Ullico / LiUNA! Toyota Tundra
Photo by: David Rosenblum / NKP / Motorsport Images
Bell, who is 28 years old, has participated in 54 Truck races throughout his career. He has achieved an impressive record of seven victories, finishing in the top five in 26 races, and securing a top-10 finish in 41 races.
Meanwhile, Hill – who has three Xfinity wins this season and ranked second in the standings – will make his first Truck start of year this weekend.
Hill, 29, will drive Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet at Pocono. He ran two races for the team last year at Daytona and Pocono and finished 15th and sixth, respectively. The team is led by championship-winning industry veterans Mike Greci and Bono Manion.
“I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to drive the No. 7 at Pocono Raceway,” Hill expressed. “Although we had to begin at the rear due to rain causing the cancellation of practice and qualifying last year, the Spire Motorsports team provided us with a speedy truck.”
“I have achieved success and had the opportunity to compete for victory in the Truck Series at Pocono before, therefore I am confident that we will have a chance to contend for the win.”
Austin Hill, Richard Childress Racing, Bennett Transportation Chevrolet Camaro
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
In his 121 Truck starts throughout his career, Hill has achieved eight victories, 27 top-five finishes, and 54 top-10 finishes.
Spire has participated in five Truck races this season, with four different drivers taking the wheel. These drivers include Corey LaJoie (who raced twice), Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Larson, and most recently, Marco Andretti.
Larson earned the organization’s second Truck win in dominating fashion at North Wilkesboro this year.
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