Denny Hamlin dismisses Christopher Bell’s hot streak as nothing more than luck, sparking debate in the NASCAR community. With Christopher Bell winning three of the first four races in 2025, his success has caught attention. But Denny Hamlin isn’t convinced, pointing to key moments at Atlanta and COTA that he believes played in Bell’s favor. As questions arise about Bell’s dominance, NASCAR’s unpredictable nature adds a layer to the story. Is Bell truly the top driver, or is fortune on his side?
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin suggested that Christopher Bell’s recent victories were significantly influenced by fortunate circumstances.
- Hamlin pointed out that timely cautions at Atlanta and COTA aided Bell’s successful outcomes.
- Despite acknowledging Bell’s skill, Hamlin emphasized NASCAR’s unpredictability as a major factor in recent races.
- Hamlin questioned the legitimacy of Bell’s dominance, attributing it to luck rather than consistent superiority.
- Bell’s current success is contrasted with Joe Gibbs Racing’s overall struggles, highlighting the impact of individual fortune.
The Agonizing Finish at Phoenix
In the thrilling climax of the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix, the tension was palpable as Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy, with both drivers demonstrating exceptional skill and tenacity.
As the race unfolded, Hamlin displayed his expertise by navigating through the field with precision, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in the closing laps. Bell, however, held a slight edge, occupying the advantageous position as they approached the overtime finish.
The contest intensified as the No. 20 car took the white flag, with Hamlin persistently applying stress from the high lane, inching ever closer to breaking his 28-race winless streak. Ultimately, it was Bell who emerged victorious, narrowly edging out Hamlin in a dramatic photo finish.
This victory marked a notable milestone for Bell, solidifying a three-peat in the Next Gen era, leaving Hamlin to grapple with the bitter taste of narrowly missed success.
Denny Hamlin Questions Christopher Bell’s Dominance
How does one truly measure dominance in NASCAR racing? For Denny Hamlin, the concept of dominance transcends mere wins; it encompasses a consistent display of superiority over competitors.
Christopher Bell’s impressive start to the 2025 season, marked by three victories in four races, has sparked discussions, yet Hamlin remains skeptical about the sustainability of Bell’s success.
On his podcast, Actions Detrimental, Hamlin carefully dissected Bell’s performance, suggesting that luck, rather than sheer skill, played a crucial role. He noted that Bell’s victories in Atlanta and COTA were not borne from overwhelming dominance but were instead outcomes of advantageous circumstances, such as timely cautions.
“There are times when you feel like you’ve dominated week after week, and you just don’t get a win. I feel like this is the opposite of that. Atlanta wasn’t dominating, and COTA wasn’t, but things just worked out right. Cautions fell at the right time. Even Christopher Bell said that… But it’s a weird business because, you know, the fastest car or fastest driver only wins like 30-some percent of the time. So, it would be defying odds even if he were to dominate the next couple of weeks, which he could.” – (hamlin)
Hamlin highlighted the inherent unpredictability of NASCAR, where even the fastest cars rarely secure victories more than a one-third of the time. He acknowledged the potential for Bell to continue performing well, albeit with a hint of doubt cast on his current superiority.
Unpredictability of NASCAR and Bell’s Championship Hopes
Amid the tantalizing unpredictability that defines NASCAR, Christopher Bell’s championship aspirations hang in a delicate balance, teetering between talent and fortune.
The sport, notorious for its capricious nature, has seen many drivers experience meteoric ascents and precipitous declines, as evidenced by Kyle Larson’s fluctuating performances. In 2021, Larson’s dominance seemed insurmountable, yet subsequent years revealed the erratic vicissitudes inherent in racing.
Bell, likewise, faced the whims of fate in 2024 when a penalty at Martinsville thwarted his Championship 4 ambitions, illustrating the precarious interplay between ability and luck.
“I feel cheated out of the chance to compete for a championship, and it all started whenever the race got fixed and manipulated by Chevrolet.” – (bell)
Despite his evident talent and fast cars, Bell’s quest for the championship remains fraught with uncertainty. Denny Hamlin’s assertion that Bell’s success is partly due to serendipity highlights a broader truth: in NASCAR, even the most competent drivers require fortune’s favor.
“Match good luck with good skill, fast cars, good execution—you’re probably going to have a lot of wins. And that’s what he’s doing right now.” – (hamlin)
Christopher Bell’s Impressive Start to 2025
Despite the skepticism expressed by some, Christopher Bell’s start to the 2025 NASCAR season has been nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating skill and resilience.
In a sport where precision and planning are paramount, Bell has consistently exhibited his tenacity. His performance in Atlanta was a demonstration of his tactical insight, as he patiently bided his time before seizing the lead on the final lap amid a yellow flag.
At Circuit of the Americas (COTA), his ability to stay close to formidable competitors like Kyle Busch, culminating in a hard-fought victory against William Byron, highlighted his competitive spirit.
- Atlanta: Seized the lead on the final lap, capitalizing on race conditions.
- COTA: Displayed tactical skill, leading to a decisive victory against strong rivals.
- Phoenix: Executed a powerful charge after Stage 1, outlasting competitors like Hamlin and Larson.
This strong start, coupled with his adaptability to a new crew chief, emphasizes Bell’s potential for sustained success.
Bell’s Red-Hot Streak and JGR’s Other Struggles
Christopher Bell’s remarkable performance at the beginning of the 2025 NASCAR season has been nothing short of revolutionary, positioning him as the driver to beat in the current series. With his victory at Phoenix, Bell etched his name into motorsport history, becoming the 18th driver to clinch three consecutive Cup Series wins, the first to achieve such a feat in the Next Gen era.
His ability to conquer diverse tracks highlights his versatility, making him an early favorite for the championship title.
“Everybody is grinning ear to ear and just trying to ride the wave. I’ve raced long enough, not in the Cup Series but throughout my life, that I know it comes in waves. We’re on that side of it now.” – (bell)
However, while Bell rides a wave of success, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) faces challenges with its other drivers. Denny Hamlin inches closer to victory, yet Chase Briscoe and Ty Gibbs grapple with underperformance.
Briscoe’s post-Daytona struggles and Ty Gibbs‘ wreck-filled start reflect broader issues within JGR’s roster, necessitating tactical recalibration as they contend with Bell’s dominance and aim for thorough team success.
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin Dismisses Christopher Bell’s Hot Streak
Denny Hamlin’s dismissal of Christopher Bell’s recent successes as mere luck emphasizes the inherent unpredictability of NASCAR, where talent and fortune are often inseparably intertwined. While Bell’s impressive performance has sparked debates over its sustainability, it highlights the broader competitive dynamics within Joe Gibbs Racing.
As the season progresses, both drivers face the challenge of proving their skill, with Bell working to solidify his championship potential and Hamlin seeking to reaffirm his dominance amidst shifting team fortunes.
ALSO READ: Denny Hamlin Admits He Was Played by Christopher Bell: “I Knew He Was Going To Ship It In There”
