Undeniably, Christopher Bell’s victory in the Shriners Children’s 500 wasn’t a stroke of luck but a testament to his racing prowess. From an 11th place start, Bell’s strategic tire choice propelled him to the lead, leaving Denny Hamlin to grapple with defeat. The triumph was a public display of Bell’s remarkable talent, which triggered an outpouring of fascination and awe.
However, a behind-the-scenes incident might have fueled Bell’s determination to claim the win. During the FS1 pre-race grid walk, an event where reporters sift through the lineup for quick interviews, Bell was overlooked as the team chose to engage with Hamlin instead. NASCAR insider Eric Estepp revealed this slight, showing that Bell is not just confident on the track but also in front of the camera.
Bell’s emergence as a leader at Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) is becoming more evident, even if NASCAR appears hesitant to recognize it. With Kyle Busch’s departure, the team is in transition. Hamlin, though a seasoned racer, has seen Bell consistently deliver results. Bell ended JGR’s winless streak that had persisted since New Hampshire and has matched Hamlin’s statistics in the last two years.
In 2023, Bell trailed just one win behind Hamlin’s three, and in 2024, they had an equal number of victories. As 2025 unfolds, Bell has already claimed three wins in the early races, contrasting Hamlin’s lackluster start. Bell’s victory against Hamlin in a thrilling photo-finish race at Phoenix marked his third consecutive win of the season. His Phoenix triumph, where he led 105 laps and bested Hamlin by a mere 0.049 seconds, was a historic event for the Cup series.
Bell’s performance in the current season is difficult to ignore. His back-to-back victories echo the success of Kyle Larson in 2021, marking him as a dominant force in the Next Gen era. If Bell manages a fourth consecutive win, he would join the elite group of eight NASCAR Hall of Famers who have achieved this feat.
However, this success might breed animosity within the team. Coach Gibbs expressed concerns over potential conflicts between the top-performing drivers. He acknowledged the intensity of the situation and appreciated the sportsmanship shown by his racers.
Bell’s intention for the season is clear. He is determined to excel and is conscious of the golden opportunity he has at the age of 30. If Hamlin doesn’t adjust to this new dynamic, he may end up on a path similar to Mark Martin.
NASCAR, a sport that values personalities as much as performance, might need to reassess its recognition of Bell. His winning streak suggests that he deserves more attention. With his eyes set on the Cup Series championship, Bell is not just another participant in the race; he is a formidable contender.
Despite having a disappointing end to the previous season, Bell is off to a strong start this year. He is aware of the ups and downs of racing and is currently riding a winning wave. His focus is now on the Pennzoil 400, where he hopes to extend his victorious streak and take advantage of a schedule that suits him well. As Bell continues to shine, it’s high time NASCAR acknowledges his prowess and gives him the recognition he has earned.
