Matt Bell OK after heavy hit at Mid-Ohio

Matt Bell said he was fine following a violent crash in Turn 1 during the Xfinity Series race at Mid-Ohio.

Although the No. 90 Chevrolet was suffering from a brake issue, Bell said he's not sure that was the reason his car climbed the tire barriers and hit the outside fence. But Bell, who competes in the IMSA Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, is confident something went wrong.

"The brakes were feeling a little spongy, but it's a heavy car and you're going pretty fast, so I didn't think anything of it," he told RACER. "I don't know exactly what happened, but something definitely broke. You're pushing against the pedal and it sort of gives quickly.

"It's a bad way to go out because these [King Autosport crew] are cool guys. They're not here making money, they're not here because it's a job, they're here because they like racing, and nobody likes seeing their car go home all torn up. I feel bad. I have to thank them for giving me the opportunity to come out here and do this."

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Fortunately, Bell said the impact did not feel as bad as it looked and he had time to brace.

"It's when you just spear a wall out of nowhere that it sucks," Bell said. "It surprises you and your legs aren't braced, your arms aren't braced, so when you have plenty of time to think about it you can grab the straps and pull your legs back and press your head against the seat and it's actually fine."

When it came to the impact, Bell admitted he didn't know the tire barrier was there, not being able to see them at first.

"So, I'm cruising and I thought I was somehow going to get it to turn; the pedal was on the floor, but I was hoping it would dig in the sand or turn or something and just go down toward the keyhole," he said. "But once it got back on the grass I saw I was going to hit the wall. So, I had plenty of time to brace.

"You don't realize you close your eyes and then you open your eyes and look around and you're looking at the blue sky and you kind of think, 'OK, that was maybe harder than I thought it was going to be.'

"Like I said, it's unfortunate but I'm happy these cars are built as safe as they are. NASCAR, if nothing else, does a really great job of making sure the drivers are always safe and walking away from this stuff."

Asked if he had other NASCAR races lined up, the IMSA racer said he's always looking for another deal.

"I'd love to do it more often – these things are a lot of fun," Bell said. "But I'd like not to finish like this..."