Stephen Bell, a seven-time winner in NHRA’s Factory Stock Showdown, will compete in the professional Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series beginning with the NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, from March 7-9. He plans to race in at least 10 events under the Elite Motorsports banner in 2025.

“I could not be more excited. To get to race Pro Stock as part of Elite Motorsports, I know the car is going to be awesome,” Bell said. He acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “I’m going to be the weak link in the equation and it’s going to take time to get my craft up to speed.”

Bell has been passionate about drag racing long before entering the driver’s seat. “I grew up around racing but had no real ability to afford to race for a long time,” he said.

He competed in the Factory X class in 2024 and noted how the emergence of various factory classes allowed him to enter the sport. “I feel like I’ve checked the box on the Factory racing, so when [Elite Motorsports team owner] Richard Freeman and I started talking earlier this season, the idea of making the change really stuck.”

Freeman expressed confidence in Bell’s transition to Pro Stock. “Stephen is a great guy and a great businessman,” Freeman said. “We’re excited to have him on board. He’ll be a great addition, and I think it will be a good change of pace for him.”

Prior to his debut, Bell will obtain his Pro Stock license with Elite Motorsports. He hopes his previous experience will aid his transition to the class.

“I know I’m really diving off the deep end with this Pro Stock stuff,” Bell said. “The competition in the Pro Stock class is so close and they are some of the best drivers in the world.”