In the annals of NASCAR’s illustrious past, the most electrifying moments often stem from bitter rivals turning into unexpected allies amid the fiery clash on the race track. The recent Phoenix showdown was a striking echo of this scenario, mirroring the heart-stopping climax of the 1979 Daytona 500, where a final-lap crash and ensuing brawl between Cale Yarborough, Donnie Allison, and his brother Bobby etched the event into racing folklore. This time, though, the key players were Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and a surprise ally in the form of Kyle Larson.
Bell had been on a winning streak, clinching victory for the third consecutive week. However, this triumph was not without its share of drama and unforeseen turns. Hamlin was hot on Bell’s heels during the last lap’s final turns, pushing hard in the high lane. Bell, driving the No. 20 car, nudged Hamlin slightly, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish reminiscent of the Atlanta showdown last year.
In a twist of fate, Larson unexpectedly rammed into the rear of Bell’s No. 20 car, propelling Bell to snatch the win by a razor-thin margin of just 0.049 seconds. This stunning finish etched itself into the record books as the second-closest finish in Phoenix Raceway history.
Bell, the Joe Gibbs driver, made NASCAR history by becoming the first driver of the Next Gen era to win three consecutive races. Following victories at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas, this Phoenix win further cemented his elite status. This feat had last been achieved by none other than Kyle Larson during his championship season in 2021.
Bell’s journey to victory was fraught with challenges. He began the 312-mile race in the 11th position, skillfully maneuvering his way through the field to finish fourth in Stage 1 and claim victory in Stage 2. The final stage witnessed a strategic battle of tire compounds that Bell navigated expertly to secure his win.
Bell’s exceptional achievement puts him in the elite league of only 29 drivers in NASCAR history to secure three consecutive wins – a group that includes legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick (2018), Jeff Gordon (1996), Bill Elliott (1992), Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1987), and others. The last driver to win four consecutive Cup Series races was Jimmie Johnson in 2007, and Bell now has his sights set on matching this record at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway next weekend.
Bell’s triumph at the Phoenix race has etched itself into NASCAR’s history of photo finishes and unexpected heroes. It parallels the 1976 Daytona 500 climax where David Pearson crossed the finish line in a damaged car after a collision with Richard Petty. The 2007 Daytona 500, where Kevin Harvick edged out Mark Martin by a mere 0.020 seconds, is another iconic finish akin to this.
Bell, with his string of three wins, is poised to mount a title charge, much like Tony Stewart did in the 2011 Ford 400. History suggests that a three-win streak often paves the way to championship glory – a fact proven by Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Busch, and Kyle Larson.
As Bell and the No. 20 team gear up for their next race in Las Vegas, they have their sights set on the historic championship records held by Jimmie Johnson. With two runner-up finishes in the last five races at the mile-and-a-half tri-oval, and the momentum of his winning streak behind him, Bell has an excellent shot at notching a fourth win.
