In the world of NASCAR, road courses were once considered Christopher Bell’s Achilles’ heel – a source of frustration and disappointment. However, much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Bell, alongside Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), transformed this weakness into a strength, rewriting the script at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and leaving their competitors puzzled.
Bell’s journey towards road course mastery was not without obstacles. The NASCAR landscape was evolving, with road course races becoming increasingly prominent on the schedule. Drivers Chase Elliott, A.J. Allmendinger, and Tyler Reddick were quick to adapt to this shift, leaving Bell, who had yet to master these challenging circuits, at a disadvantage.
However, COTA marked a pivotal turning point in this narrative, not only for Bell but also for Toyota. This was the exact manufacturer that had struggled with a new tire compound in the previous season. But with a blend of strategic thinking, precise adjustments, and a desire for redemption, they managed to flip the script, leaving Chevrolet and Ford in the dust.
Chevys and Fords have traditionally dominated road course events. However, Toyota and JGR have broken this mold, drawing lessons from past failures at tracks such as Watkins Glen to devise a winning strategy.
Bell’s breakthrough moment came when he overcame the challenges posed by the road courses. Despite COTA being a relatively new addition to the NASCAR schedule, Watkins Glen has a lengthy history. It was here, back in 2017, that Martin Truex Jr. became the last Toyota driver to claim victory, highlighting the need for Toyota to revamp their strategy. And it was Bell who was identified as the ideal candidate for this transformation.
However, the road to success was fraught with trials, with changes in tire compounds throwing a spanner in the works. Bell experienced difficulties with the new Goodyear tires during the 2023 season, a far cry from his consistent top 10 and top 5 results since 2021. This led to a disappointing P14 finish in the 2023 race, underscoring the need for a better understanding of the new tire compound.
This understanding came to fruition at COTA. Despite initial difficulties during the practice and qualifying rounds, Bell and his team demonstrated their resilience and adaptability. Thanks to strategic pit stops and a stellar car set-up, Bell managed to fend off competitors Willian Byron and Tyler Reddick in the final laps.
Bell was not the only Toyota driver to demonstrate a considerable improvement. Tyler Reddick, who had been Toyota’s star player in road course races in 2023, delivered a commendable performance, reinforcing Toyota’s progress. Reddick and teammate Bubba Wallace seized the front row during the qualifying rounds, highlighting Toyota’s growing prowess.
Following this victory, Bell and his team have two wins to their credit, putting them in a promising position for the playoffs. This marks a potential comeback from the disappointments of the previous year.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bell, a native of Oklahoma, has all the motivation he needs to excel. His rise in recent years is nothing short of remarkable. He has made back-to-back appearances in the championship race in Phoenix in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, finishing 3rd and 4th respectively. Despite a disqualification at Martinsville Speedway last year due to race manipulation tactics, he is in touching distance of making it three years in a row.
Going into the Phoenix race weekend, Bell has the opportunity to clinch three consecutive wins, a feat yet to be achieved in the Next Gen era. After the COTA win, Bell expressed his readiness to add to this winning streak. A three-peat would undoubtedly solidify his position as the driver to watch this season.