Despite being the only driver to consistently reach the Championship 4 in every season of the Next-Gen car era, Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing continues to be perceived as an underdog. NASCAR veteran and 2014 Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick believes he knows why Bell, despite his consistent performances, doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves.
Harvick points out that Bell’s quiet demeanor and reserved personality often keep him out of the spotlight compared to his more outspoken rivals. Bell’s focus on performance rather than publicity means he rarely finds himself at the center of media attention.
“I think Christopher Bell, from a performance standpoint, should be one of the favorites,” Harvick stated. “But his personality and demeanor almost take him out of those conversations because he never — he never really says anything that’s controversial. He never goes over the top to voice his opinion on something he doesn’t like.”
A Pure Racer Without the Drama
Harvick elaborated that Bell’s approach to NASCAR is refreshingly simple—he’s there to race, not to create headlines. The No. 20 driver prefers to let his skills speak for themselves rather than stir up controversy for attention.
“I’m not saying that there’s anything right or wrong with that,” Harvick continued. “I’m just saying that I think his demeanor and the way that he approaches things is purely for racing. He just wants to drive the car and perform. He doesn’t want to create the chaos and excitement.”
Bell’s focus on his craft and his avoidance of dramatic outbursts mean that his impressive performances often fly under the radar. While many drivers attract attention through their bold statements or heated rivalries, Bell’s quiet professionalism keeps him in the background—even when he’s performing at an elite level.
Performance Over Publicity
Despite his low-profile nature, Bell’s results have consistently proven his capabilities. Harvick noted that Bell’s on-track dominance eventually draws the attention he deserves, even without the media buzz that typically surrounds other drivers.
“I think the media wants something that’s a bigger story. But I do think that Christopher Bell has the capability to not say anything, and win enough races, to make you talk about him all the time.”
Harvick’s comments shed light on how Bell’s focused, no-nonsense attitude and impressive consistency make him one of NASCAR’s best drivers, even if he isn’t often recognized as such. As Bell continues to perform at the top of his game, Harvick suggests that his success will eventually force everyone to take notice.
Can Bell Break Through in 2024?
With Bell’s quiet but determined approach, the question remains whether he can leverage his consistency to finally clinch a championship title this season. If he does, it may be the moment that forces the NASCAR world to stop underestimating one of its most talented drivers.
