The NASCAR playoffs are about to start, and discussions about the top contenders are heating up! Kyle Larson is a key player, and Tyler Reddick, having just secured the regular season championship, is a significant name to consider.
Another driver who deserves recognition but is frequently overlooked is Christopher Bell. Bell, driving the #20 car, believes in letting his performance speak for itself.
After his Phoenix race victory, Bell reflected on why he’s often seen as an underdog despite his impressive career. He noted, “I’m considered an underdog because I’m not leading all the laps like Martin Truex Jr. did at Richmond. We haven’t been able to do that yet.” He believes he needs more dominant performances, such as starting from pole position and leading the race to victory.
Bell proved his point when he dominated the next Charlotte race, leading 90 laps to win, and then further impressed by leading 149 laps at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, claiming his third win of the season. As the playoffs begin, Bell is confident about his chances, particularly after his Phoenix win. He shared on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “This year, I feel like we’ve really showcased our potential and I’m optimistic about our chances. The Phoenix win has definitely boosted my confidence.”
Bell’s confidence is evident with 32 playoff points, three wins, and an average finish of 15th. If he makes it to Phoenix, it will be his third consecutive appearance, despite falling short in the previous two finals due to pit crew and mechanical issues. His success poses a challenge to Denny Hamlin, who, despite his extensive experience and nearing a title in 2010, has yet to win a championship. Bell leads with 38 playoff points compared to Hamlin’s 18.
Both JGR drivers have had similar seasons, each with three wins and an average finish of 15th. However, both struggled with qualifying at Atlanta—Bell starting 26th and Hamlin 38th. Nonetheless, NASCAR veterans still view both as strong championship contenders.
In the NASCAR playoffs, the goal is to reach the championship race at Phoenix and secure a win. This task is challenging, as both drivers need to navigate through the 10 playoff races. Bell has shown dominance, particularly on shorter, flatter tracks like Phoenix. In the spring race, he started 20th on the final restart but fought through the field to win by 5.5 seconds, a performance he aims to replicate in the final four.
Hamlin, with his vast experience and 54 Cup Series wins, is also a formidable contender. Despite finishing 10th in this year’s Phoenix race, he remains a strong candidate, as Kevin Harvick suggests. On a recent episode of ‘Happy Hour,’ Harvick said, “I’m sticking with Denny Hamlin.
Dale Jr. also acknowledges Bell’s strong chance, although he includes Hamlin in his list of potential champions. On the Dale Jr. Download, he stated, “My championship four includes Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney, with Blaney winning back-to-back. If I’m wrong, Christopher Bell would be the one to win the championship.”
