Christopher Bell late surge Watkins Glen became a highlight of Sunday’s race, as Bell surged from behind to claim second place at Watkins Glen International. While Shane van Gisbergen took the checkered flag, Bell executed a dramatic charge on the final lap to overtake Chris Buescher and secure the runner-up position.
Strategic Moves and Intense Racing in the Final Stage
Competing for Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell was deeply involved in a complex mix of pit strategies that defined much of the race. Drivers chose various tactics—some stretching their stints and others opting for early or aggressive pit stops. Bell’s third-place finish at the end of Stage 2 put him in prime position as the final stage began, though he was required to pass multiple competitors to move up before the finish.
Battling until the very last moments, Bell methodically made up ground, focusing on Chris Buescher ahead. Overtaking Buescher right before the finish line, Bell demonstrated both determination and tactical precision. He faced additional difficulty maneuvering through the “dirty air” generated by the Next Gen cars—a factor that posed significant challenges late in the race.
“I wanted to get to [Buescher] for sure,”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
Bell explained the difficulties encountered as he closed in, noting the physical effects of racing in turbulent air that complicated his push to the front. Despite these challenges, he managed to complete the pass as time ran out, displaying impressive control under pressure.
“Dirty air… dirty air is so bad. You can close the gap and once you get to two car lengths back, you can just feel the hot air – even the air that is going through your helmet. It gets hot, the brakes get hot, you lose grip and you stall out.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
A Strong Run Without Cautions
The last 46 laps proceeded caution-free, requiring Bell to make his gains purely on pace rather than with the help of any restarts. His determination was evident as he cut through the field naturally, without reliance on race interruptions.
“I was moving pretty good so I was content with no yellows and just letting it run green,”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
“Thankfully, I had enough pace so I could break through that bubble and get by him. It took a little bit longer than I wanted to.”
—Christopher Bell, Driver
Implications for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing
This strong performance marked Bell’s fourth second-place finish since his previous win at Phoenix in March. The result reflects not only his and his team’s ongoing competitiveness but also his ability to adapt under shifting strategies and challenging race conditions. As the season continues, Bell’s drive at Watkins Glen stands as evidence of his ongoing pursuit of another race victory for Joe Gibbs Racing.
