Denny Hamlin admits he was played by Christopher Bell in the final laps of the race at Phoenix. With the pressure mounting, Hamlin knew his teammate would make a bold move. As the two raced neck and neck, Hamlin recognized Bell’s strategy, but it wasn’t enough to stop him. In a candid moment after the race, Hamlin shared, “I knew he was going to ship it in there.” The intense battle left fans wondering what comes next for these two teammates.
Key Highlights
- Christopher Bell won the Shriners Children’s 500 by just 0.049 seconds over Denny Hamlin, showcasing his strategic racing skills.
- A late-race caution involving Ty Gibbs set the stage for an intense two-lap shootout, heightening competition among drivers.
- Denny Hamlin led at the white flag but Bell executed aggressive tactics in Turn 3 to claim victory.
- Hamlin credited Bell’s racing style and acknowledged the challenges of maintaining control on the limited racetrack.
- The upcoming Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas offers Bell a chance to build on his momentum while Hamlin seeks redemption.
Christopher Bell Outduels Denny Hamlin in Nail-Biting Finish at Phoenix
In an exhilarating confrontation at the Shriners Children’s 500, Christopher Bell narrowly outpaced his teammate Denny Hamlin, securing victory by a mere 0.049 moments.
This nail-biting finish highlighted Bell’s strategy, which effectively took advantage of the race’s dynamics and his understanding of Phoenix’s history of electrifying finishes.
Hamlin’s resilience was clear as he pushed Bell to the limit, demonstrating his drive to claim victory.
Hamlin’s determination shone brightly, relentlessly challenging Bell and showcasing his unwavering quest for victory.
The significance of this race extends beyond the moment, hinting at future rivalries within Joe Gibbs Racing.
As Bell celebrated his second consecutive win of the season, the implications of this close encounter will resonate, fueling both competitors’ ambitions as they navigate the challenging landscape of the NASCAR circuit.
Late-Race Caution Sets Up Dramatic Battle
As the race approached its climax, a late-race caution dramatically shifted the dynamics of the Shriners Children’s 500. The incident, triggered by Ty Gibbs hitting the outside wall on Lap 305, prompted teams to reassess their caution strategy.
With the field bunched up for a two-lap shootout, driver communication became essential as competitors adjusted their fuel management to enhance performance. Denny Hamlin, who had been trailing Christopher Bell by a comfortable half-second, found himself in prime position to contend for the win.
The last lap from Denny Hamlin’s onboard as he loses to Christopher Bell in a photo finish.
“GOD DAMMIT! FUCK!!!” pic.twitter.com/hHFbdsMD58
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) March 9, 2025
As the green flag waved, the race dynamics intensified. Hamlin surged ahead at the white flag after a strong push from Kyle Larson, yet Bell’s aggressive tactic in Turn 3 ultimately secured his victory, sealing a thrilling finish.
Denny Hamlin Admits He Knew Christopher Bell Would Race Aggressively
Though disappointment lingered after the race, Denny Hamlin recognized that Christopher Bell would employ an aggressive approach during their final confrontation. In a post-race analysis, Hamlin reflected on the competitive dynamics at play, admitting, “I knew he was gonna ship it in there.” He understood Bell’s tactics required him to push hard, stating that the situation left them both with limited racetrack.
Denny Hamlin acknowledged Christopher Bell’s aggressive tactics, recognizing the limited racetrack in their final confrontation.
“You know, it’s the first time we were able to get some clean air all day and obviously, our car was really fast. I really kind of wanted it to stay green there […] We got a good restart, the #5 really gave me a great push on the frontstretch on the restart and then down the backstretch. So I had kind of a position on the #20 but I knew he was gonna ship it in there, he had to use me, he could, and obviously we just kind of ran out of racetrack there but great finish, great job by the whole Joe Gibbs team to give us some fast cars.” – Denny Hamlin
Despite falling short, Hamlin credited the Joe Gibbs Racing team for delivering competitive cars, ultimately securing a valuable runner-up finish and earning 43 points.
Kyle Larson Hoped for a Hamlin-Bell Wreck
While Kyle Larson maintained a competitive stance throughout the race, he found himself hoping for a last-lap clash between Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell.
Larson’s strategy hinged on the potential for a wreck, since such chaos could have catapulted him to victory. He recognized the risks involved in his last-lap tactics, contemplating whether to plunge low and challenge, but ultimately refrained, fearing he might cause a multi-car pile-up.
“I felt like that was my only hope,” Larson admitted, emphasizing the intense rivalry dynamics at play.
“I thought being patient to try and keep them side-by-side down the back was good. I could have shot to the bottom, but I felt like I would have wrecked everybody there. Yeah, just kind of gave ourselves a shot for them to maybe get into each other and us squeak by. Good to finish third…”
Finishing third, he moved up to 11th in the standings, but the missed opportunity highlighted the championship implications of avoiding aggressive actions amid the fierce race for points and position.
NASCAR Heads to Las Vegas for Next Showdown
Following the intense competition at Phoenix, the NASCAR Cup Series now turns its attention to the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 16.
This race promises to be a crucial event, offering drivers a chance to refine their race strategies under varying track conditions.
Key elements shaping the race include:
- Driver Predictions: Expect Bell to utilize his recent momentum, while Hamlin aims for redemption.
- Race Strategies: Teams will analyze tire wear and pit stop timing to gain a competitive advantage.
- Fan Engagement: The vibrant atmosphere in Las Vegas is set to improve the complete experience for attendees.
As the countdown begins, anticipation builds for an exciting contest that could notably impact the championship landscape.
News In Brief: Denny Hamlin Admits He Was Played by Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell’s victory at Phoenix highlighted his skill and resolve as he outmaneuvered Denny Hamlin in an exhilarating finish. The late-race caution intensified the competition, allowing Bell to seize the opportunity and secure the win.
Hamlin, fully aware of Bell’s aggressive tactics, came close but ultimately fell short. As the NASCAR series moves to Las Vegas, fans can expect more exciting battles ahead, with drivers keen to capitalize on their strategies and performance.
ALSO READ: Christopher Bell Refuses to Hype Winning Streak as Phoenix Pressure Reaches New Heights
