Christopher Bell is focusing intently on Martinsville as he seeks to secure his place in the NASCAR championship finale, with his team’s unique approach to preparation providing a potential advantage. Christopher Bell championship preparation has emerged as a key storyline, as Adam Stevens, Bell’s crew chief, shared how the Joe Gibbs Racing teams are each strategizing for the pressure-packed closing races.
Strategic Focus: Balancing Martinsville and Phoenix Preparations
Adam Stevens, the guiding force behind the No. 20 Toyota, revealed that while Christopher Bell’s crew is highly concentrated on the immediate challenge at Martinsville, two other Joe Gibbs Racing squads are already setting their sights on Phoenix, the championship-deciding venue.
“You know we’re probably 95 percent worried about Martinsville and and there’s two teams that are probably 95 percent worried about Phoenix, if not more,” he said.
Presently, Bell holds a 37-point cushion above the elimination line heading into Martinsville. He will clinch a place at Phoenix if either Denny Hamlin or Chase Briscoe comes out on top in the elimination event. Having reached the championship round twice in the Next Gen Era but falling short both times, Bell is determined to deliver a different outcome this year. NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck has indicated that Bell’s stock would rise significantly if he advances to the finale, framing him as a likely favorite for the title.
Leveraging Teamwork for the Phoenix Edge
The collaboration among Joe Gibbs Racing’s teams may play a crucial role in Bell’s playoff hopes. Adam Stevens explained that Bell’s group could benefit from the work already done by teammates with Phoenix ambitions, reducing their own workload and boosting their readiness for the final showdown—provided they clear the Martinsville hurdle.
“Thankfully for myself and my team, if we could make it through this weekend, we can piggyback off of all of the homework that they’ve done and be a lot further down the road because they’ve been thinking and working so far ahead on Phoenix…..and then you have the 54 as you mentioned, who’s just trying to finish the season strong and trying to run the best they can every weekend, much like the rest of us through the middle of the year,” he added.
This intra-team synergy gives Bell a potential advantage in Phoenix, offering him strategic insights and preparation that could make the difference in a tightly contested championship battle. The element of being able to capitalize on his teammates’ groundwork serves as a potential x-factor in Bell’s championship journey.
Mixed Results at Martinsville: Bell’s Track Record
Christopher Bell’s performances at Martinsville have varied widely. Since the introduction of the Next Gen car, Bell has experienced just about every type of outcome in his seven appearances at the half-mile track. He was victorious in 2022 and took second place in this year’s spring event but more often has found himself finishing mid-pack or further back. These results underline the unpredictability that Bell must confront as he seeks a strong enough finish to keep his title hopes alive.
If Bell can replicate or improve upon his recent runner-up result at Martinsville, a return to Phoenix for the chance at the championship remains well within his grasp.
Kyle Larson Identifies Bell as His Major Competition
Kyle Larson, just a single point behind Christopher Bell, is keenly aware of the battle that awaits at Martinsville. As the sole Hendrick Motorsports driver in the championship hunt, Larson highlighted Bell as his primary on-track competition. The two are locked in a close points battle, and their performance against each other at Martinsville could determine who advances to Phoenix.
“I think the 20 (Bell) is the most important car for us on the track—and probably vice-versa. If either one of us outscores the other, we’re guaranteed a spot in the final four, regardless of who else wins.”
Bell’s playoff campaign features more top-10 finishes than Larson’s, including a notable win at Bristol and three consecutive podiums after a setback at Darlington. In contrast, Larson collected two runner-up finishes early in the playoffs but then slipped back at Talladega, slightly weakening his position.
Playoff Dynamics and What Lies Ahead
As Martinsville approaches, the rivalry between Bell and Larson will be pivotal. Should Bell secure strong results and capitalize on the extensive preparation enabled by his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, he stands to gain a considerable strategic advantage for Phoenix. The focus on meticulous Christopher Bell championship preparation, teamwork, and adaptability may well determine whether Bell finally claims the title after two close but unfulfilled attempts in the Next Gen Era. With so much at stake, the outcomes at Martinsville and Phoenix could shape the narratives of drivers, teams, and the championship chase for years to come.
🗣️ @JoeGibbsRacing crew chief Adam Stevens talks about the level of preparation for @MartinsvilleSwy for his No. 20 team vs his other two JGR teammates in the playoffs ⬇️
💭 "If we can make it through this weekend, we can piggyback off of all of the homework that they've done." pic.twitter.com/kg7a0YbFDo
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 25, 2025
