Christopher Bell played the team card after an intense battle at Phoenix Raceway, edging out his teammate Denny Hamlin for the win. With just seconds left in the race, Bell held off Denny Hamlin in a dramatic finish. But as the dust settled, Bell’s comments about the race revealed a deeper layer to their rivalry. “How about that?” he said, reflecting on the team’s 1-2 finish.
Key Highlights
- Christopher Bell achieved his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory, becoming the first driver to do so in the NextGen era.
- He narrowly defeated teammate Denny Hamlin by just 0.049 seconds, marking the closest finish in Phoenix Raceway history.
- Bell’s strategic choice of red option tires during the race added complexity to tire management and race dynamics.
- Despite facing multiple caution flags that disrupted his momentum, Bell skillfully navigated the challenges to maintain control.
- This victory solidifies Bell’s status as a championship contender, with 12 career wins enhancing his competitive profile.
Christopher Bell Secures Third Straight Win in Dramatic Fashion
As the final laps unfolded, Christopher Bell displayed his exceptional driving skills, securing his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory at Phoenix Raceway.
In a fierce clash with teammate Denny Hamlin, Bell executed a masterful race strategy, holding off Hamlin for the last 17 laps. The tension heightened as the two drivers navigated multiple late-race cautions, resulting in intense bumper-to-bumper action.
Bell ultimately crossed the finish line just 0.049 moments ahead, marking the closest finish in the history of Phoenix Raceway. The atmosphere in victory lane was electric, with fans erupting in cheers.
This win highlighted the strong team dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing, and greatly impacted the championship implications for both drivers as the season progresses.
Chaos on Option Tires: Christopher Bell Calls It “Ugly”
Following his exciting victory at Phoenix, Christopher Bell faced a new set of challenges during the race, particularly with the introduction of option tires.
The inclusion of two sets of option tires, the initial since Richmond last year, complicated tire strategy and race dynamics. Bell chose red tires for the final segment but encountered driver frustration as caution flags disrupted his momentum.
REPOST to congratulate Christopher Bell for WINNING at Phoenix! 🏁🏁🏁
He becomes the first driver since Kyle Larson in 2021 to win three straight NASCAR Cup Series races. pic.twitter.com/f43SXde42U
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) March 9, 2025
“That was about as ugly as it gets,” he remarked to FOX, highlighting his annoyance with the repeated yellow flags that bunched up the field.
“You put the red tires on (and) you’re like, alright, what I don’t wanna happen is go 20-30 laps and get a yellow. Then that happened. Then we went like 10 more laps, we had another yellow.” – Christopher Bell
Despite these challenges, Bell skillfully navigated the chaos, maintaining control when it mattered most and seizing a critical opportunity during a late restart to solidify his position in the race.
A Hard-Fought Battle Against Denny Hamlin
In an invigorating confrontation at Phoenix, Christopher Bell found himself locked in a fierce battle against his teammate Denny Hamlin. The intensity of their driver rivalry was tangible, as Hamlin made several late-race contact attempts to disrupt Bell’s rhythm.
However, Bell’s defensive skill shone through, allowing him to pull away in the final stretch. The team dynamics at Joe Gibbs Racing were critical, as both drivers executed impressive pit stop efficiency, contributing to a solid 1-2 finish.
Bell noted, “It was just all about who can get clear on the restart,” highlighting the tactical intricacies involved. With championship implications looming, this hard-fought duel emphasized the fine line between teamwork and competition in the quest for victory.
“Neither of us could. We’re just racing really hard there coming to the line and JGR ran 1-2; how about that?” – Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell Matches Kyle Larson’s 2021 Streak
Christopher Bell’s recent victory at Phoenix not only secured his place in the spotlight but also marked a substantial milestone in NASCAR history.
By clinching his third consecutive win, Bell joined Kyle Larson, who achieved a similar 2021 streak, becoming the initial driver to do so in the NextGen era. This remarkable accomplishment highlights Bell’s evolution as a formidable competitor in the Cup Series.
With this success, he has now recorded 12 career victories, reinforcing his status as a serious championship contender.
NASCAR’s official acknowledgment of Bell’s achievement emphasizes the significance of this moment, as it reflects both consistency and skill in a highly competitive environment.
Christopher Bell’s Next Challenge: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
As Bell prepares for his next challenge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the excitement surrounding his recent success adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming Pennzoil 400.
Currently third in driver standings, Bell has showed remarkable skill, leading 114 laps this season. To maintain his momentum, a keen Las Vegas strategy will be essential.
Currently ranked third, Bell’s impressive performance includes leading 114 laps this season, making his Las Vegas strategy crucial for continued success.
The track conditions may vary, influencing tire wear and grip levels throughout the race. Furthermore, pit stop efficiency will be critical, as timely stops can considerably impact race outcomes.
With increasing fan expectations and potential weather influence, Bell must navigate these variables carefully. As he gears up for this challenge, the racing world watches closely, enthusiastic to see if he can continue his winning streak.
News In Brief: Christopher Bell Plays the Team Card After Crushing Teammate
Christopher Bell’s exhilarating victory at Phoenix marks his impressive third successive win, a feat that echoes Kyle Larson’s 2021 streak. Despite facing chaos on option tires and a fierce challenge from Denny Hamlin, Bell displayed his skill and resolve.
As he prepares for the next race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, fans keenly anticipate whether he can extend his winning streak. With each race, Bell continues to prove himself as a daunting contender in the NASCAR series.
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