Christopher Bell optimistic for NASCAR playoffs described his outlook as hopeful ahead of the Cup Series’ upcoming postseason, a marked change after last year’s disappointing fifth-place finish that left him short of the Championship 4. Reflecting on his struggles last season, Bell, a Norman, Oklahoma native, believes the new playoff schedule better suits his abilities behind the wheel of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry.
Bouncing Back After Playoff Setback
Bell’s optimism comes on the heels of what he considered a frustrating 2023 campaign, where failing to reach the final championship group stung despite being a consistent contender. Speaking recently in Columbia, South Carolina, Bell contrasted how last year’s playoff structure created challenges for him versus his confidence going into this season’s configuration. He credits the revised sequence of tracks and the types of races now included as a significant positive turnaround.
He specifically addressed the daunting nature of the 2023 schedule, which began with Atlanta Motor Speedway—a superspeedway he called difficult to navigate in early rounds—and included Talladega in the Round of 12.
“So I will be honest, last year was really scary,”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver. The altered route for the playoffs this time, Bell contends, offers him better opportunities by playing to his preferred tracks and racing style.
Bell’s Strengths Match Playoff Tracks
This year’s playoff arrangement, according to Bell, features a schedule in the Round of 16 that includes Darlington, Gateway, and Bristol—all tracks he feels particularly adept at. Talladega remains a decisive challenge, now positioned in the Round of Eight, adding pressure to secure wins at Las Vegas or Martinsville to stave off elimination at the unpredictable superspeedway.
“So the Round of 16 is a great schedule for me with Darlington, Gateway and Bristol in it. Round of 12 is another really, really good schedule and group of races for us. So, I feel I feel like we’re poised for a great playoff run.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver.
Despite his positive outlook, Bell acknowledged that his momentum suffered in the second half of the regular season. He started strong, capturing back-to-back-to-back victories in Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix, but after placing second in Mexico City, he struggled with seven finishes outside the top 10 in the following ten races—including three finishes worse than twentieth. Watkins Glen provided a slight reprieve with a runner-up spot, yet his results in Richmond and Daytona—21st and 13th, respectively—did not inspire confidence going into the playoffs.
Competitive Field Adds Pressure
Bell faces formidable competition from not only the broader playoff field but also his own Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, including Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe. Hamlin, entering one of the best seasons of his career, and Briscoe, excelling in his first year in the Gibbs stable, provide stiff internal rivalry. As Bell prepares, he’s acutely aware that outperforming his fellow JGR drivers and other Cup Series stars will be critical to advancing further than last season.
Advancing Past the Semifinals Remains a Goal
The looming challenge lies in the Round of 8, particularly after last year’s disappointment at Martinsville, where Bell’s 22nd-place finish eliminated his championship hopes. With the playoff schedule revised, Bell believes he knows exactly what’s required to break through and secure a berth in the coveted final round.
“It’s just about going over there, dotting your I’s, crossing your T’s and making sure that you execute the races driving for Joe Gibbs Racing,”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver. He also expressed confidence in his equipment and readiness:
“I feel like my Camry (is) going to be plenty fast enough. I’ve just got to do my job driving.”
—Christopher Bell, NASCAR Driver.
Now, with insights drawn from recent setbacks and a playoff schedule more aligned with his preferences, Bell stands ready to challenge for his first NASCAR Cup championship. His mix of optimism and frank recognition of the difficulties faced last year hints at renewed focus as he approaches the opening race of the playoffs, aiming to convert past lessons into a stronger finish for both himself and Joe Gibbs Racing.
