Christopher Bell Shines in 2022 NASCAR Cup Playoffs: Christopher Bell, a driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, confronts high expectations this NASCAR season after winning critical races at Charlotte Roval and Martinsville last year. Bell was a dark horse, surviving “must-win” situations to reach Championship 4. He warns that last year’s method isn’t a surefire winner. “You can’t have DNFs. You’ve got to get through. Even if you don’t have a great car, be able to maximize your points,” Bell said during Thursday’s Playoff Media Day in downtown Charlotte.
This season, Bell’s team emphasizes consistency to avoid last year’s mistakes. Joe Gibbs Racing swapped Bell’s No. 20 and Ty Gibbs‘ No. 54 pit crews as part of this strategy. The No. 54 team has performed better this season, and Bell is encouraged. “It’ll be interesting, but I’m excited to work with such a talented group,” he said.
Bell finished fourth in the regular season after winning at Bristol Dirt Track and finishing in the top five and ten often. He starts the Sunday night playoff race at Darlington Raceway seventh out of 16 racers. Bell thinks this situation is nice, but the regular season had more chances. He remarked, “That was very disappointing and encouraging at the same time because I know we have all of the pieces not to be underrated,” highlighting the team’s potential for greatness if all the pieces come together.
The 28-year-old Norman, Oklahoma native is unconcerned with being underappreciated. Bell remarked, “I hope so because I don’t feel like I’m rated very highly,” adding that public opinion doesn’t matter. His track performance matters, especially in the playoffs. Bell knows the path begins in Darlington and that his crew must focus on one race at a time to maximize points and prevent DNFs, which plagued them last year.
Bell’s team won two “must-win” circumstances last season. The first Charlotte Roval win got him to the semifinals. Martinsville was the final ticket to Championship 4. Although these wins were crucial, Bell knows such dramatic performances are unsustainable. “That’s not a reliable playbook for sure,” Bell said, adding that the real work begins at Darlington.
He also focused on the team’s performance, which placed him fourth in the regular season. Though satisfied, he thinks the squad should have taken more chances. Bell and his No. 20 team face both potential and obstacles as they prepare for the playoffs. A pit crew move and learning from last season should help Bell have a successful, less dramatic playoff run.
Christopher Bell is cautiously optimistic about the NASCAR playoffs. Last year’s dramatic triumphs were impressive but not sustainable. Bell and his team want regular, solid performances to advance in the playoffs after a pit crew move and a seventh seed in the Darlington opener. Bell wants a championship, regardless of his underdog status.
Our Reader’s Queries
What happened to Christopher Bell in NASCAR?
Christopher Bell’s hopes of winning the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship were shattered when he crashed into the outside wall during the second stage of Sunday’s season-finale at Phoenix. Despite starting in 13th place, Bell had managed to climb into the top five before the unfortunate incident. However, his dreams of victory were dashed as a result of the collision.
What 4 drivers are in the NASCAR playoffs?
The stage is set for the Championship 4 showdown at Phoenix Raceway this Sunday. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron will battle it out for the coveted 2023 NASCAR Cup Series title. Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled race as these top-notch drivers put their skills to the test. Who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned to find out!
Who does Christopher Bell drive for in the Cup series?
As the Joe Gibbs Racing team gears up for the NASCAR championship, they are taking a moment to reflect on the tragedy that struck earlier this year. Christopher Bell, one of the team’s drivers, lost his close friend and fellow racer, Jason Johnson, in a fatal crash. Despite the heartbreak, the team is determined to honor Johnson’s memory by giving their all on the track. Bell and his teammates are focused on winning the championship, but they also know that their success will be bittersweet without Johnson there to share it with them.
Who remains in NASCAR playoffs?
The NASCAR Playoff Standings & Drivers are in full swing, with Ryan Blaney leading the pack in his Team Penske No. 12 Ford. Blaney has had an impressive 2023 season so far, with three wins under his belt (Charlotte, Talladega-Oct, Martinsville-Oct), eight top-5 finishes, and 560 laps led. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing is also making waves in his No. 20 Toyota, while Kyle Larson and William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports are hot on their heels in their No. 5 Chevrolet and No. 24 Chevrolet, respectively. It’s an exciting time for NASCAR fans as the competition heats up.
