Christopher Bell’s NASCAR Cup Series performance started remarkably in the 2025 season, drawing attention early in the year, but his results have since become mixed, prompting Kevin Harvick to raise concerns about both Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing’s ability to contend for championships. As Bell endures a series of ups and downs, Harvick points to inconsistencies and strategic gaps that may hold the driver and his team back from fulfilling their high potential.
Bell’s Impressive Start Gives Way to Unpredictable Results
Christopher Bell began his latest campaign with a string of victories, a notable achievement that set high expectations for his season. His strong early showing included a celebrated three-peat in March, but after enjoying an initial surge, Bell has struggled to maintain that momentum. Most recently, Bell finished fifth at Sonoma Raceway, managing to stop a negative slide after posting 24th, 30th, and 17th place finishes in the previous three events. Tracking his recent races, Bell tallied a runner-up result in Mexico City, yet then placed 16th in Nashville and 10th in Michigan.
Currently, Bell ranks sixth in the Cup Series standings with a tally of 597 points. Given his remarkable start, many—Harvick included—expected higher placement at this stage. On the “Happy Hour” podcast, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick examined the Oklahoma native’s performance with his co-hosts, taking a closer look at both the successes and setbacks shaping Bell’s year.
Kevin Harvick Analyzes Struggles with Consistency
Harvick singled out Bell’s race at Sonoma, noting that it was not a smooth ride despite the impressive final position. Even amid a top-five finish, Bell experienced complications, including spins and on-track challenges. Harvick commented:
“Even at this race, it had some rocky moments with spinning out and everything,”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion
Despite the difficulties, Harvick acknowledged Bell’s strengths on road courses, referencing past performances as evidence of his capabilities:
“But yeah, he had a fast car, and I think when you look back to COTA, we obviously know that he’s a good road racer.”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion
Analysis extended to Joe Gibbs Racing as a whole. Denny Hamlin, a fellow JGR driver, had a disappointing result, while the rest of the team, including Bell, managed competitive runs near the front. Harvick outlined the week’s performance, observing:
“I think all the Gibbs cars, Hamlin seemed like he was out to lunch this week, but it seemed like the other three Gibbs cars were solid and running up front. Christopher Bell was one of those.”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion
Comparisons to Other Top Drivers and the High Bar for Championships
Harvick compared Bell’s season arc to that of William Byron, emphasizing that both drivers tend to start strong but often experience a drop-off midseason, raising concern about their ability to maintain form through to the season’s end. As Harvick put it:
“So, I still just, it’s like William Byron. I believe that Christopher Bell and William Byron, they go through this same streak every year of starting off strong, off in the middle, and you never know what’s going to show up at the end of the year.”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion
While recognizing Bell’s potential, Harvick cast doubt on whether the recent improvement represents a definitive turning point. He stressed that to achieve championship glory, a team and driver must deliver steadier results, minimizing setbacks on off days:
“It was a solid run. But they haven’t been consistently solid. If you’re gonna win these championships, you gotta be able to find that consistency of when you’re having an off day, not have it be a catastrophe.”
—Kevin Harvick, 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion
What’s at Stake for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing
Harvick’s analysis highlights a crucial issue for Christopher Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing as they look ahead to the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series season. Despite moments of brilliance and spells in the lead group, Bell’s streak of inconsistency poses questions about his and his team’s readiness to mount a true championship bid. With other contenders such as William Byron also struggling for sustained form, the competition remains open, placing a premium on adaptability and resilience.
Heading into the later stages of the season, Bell and JGR must address these recurring issues to be seen as legitimate threats for the Cup Series crown. How they adapt and respond to their current situation could shape not only their own season but also the broader narrative of the championship race.
