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Christopher Bell could drive for Denny Hamlin if baby arrives this weekend

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series LTI Printing 200 - Practice

BROOKLYN, MI - AUGUST 11: Christopher Bell, driver of the #4 JBL/SiriusXM Toyota, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series LTI Printing 200 at Michigan International Speedway on August 11, 2017 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

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Denny Hamlin is once again on baby watch.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver could be on a plane out of Michigan if he receives word that his girlfriend, Jordan Fish, has gone into labor to deliver their second child.

If that happens, the driving duties of the No. 11 Toyota will fall to Christopher Bell. Regan Smith was on-hand to sub for Hamlin last weekend at Watkins Glen International.

The 22-year-old Bell races full-time in the Camping World Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports, but the Oklahoma-native has never competed in the Cup Series.

Bell made his Xfinity Series debut earlier this year and had two starts, at Charlotte and in the June race at Iowa Speedway.

Bell currently leads the Truck Series points. Through 12 races he has four wins and eight top fives.

NBCSN’s Marty Snider reported Friday the team will give Bell time in the No. 11 in practice on Saturday.

If Bell is called on to actually race the No. 11 on Sunday in the Pure Michigan 400, it wouldn’t be the first time a driver has gotten his first taste of Cup racing in relief of Hamlin.

In 2015, Erik Jones had to fly from North Carolina to Bristol Motor Speedway to take over for Hamlin, who began experiencing pain in his upper back during the first 22 laps of the race. The switch was made possible thanks to a long rain delay.

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