Christopher Bell has stolen the limelight for this week. He was crowned the desert king after clinching his seventh Cup victory at Phoenix last Sunday. The first short track of the year witnessed the new aero package debut. While other drivers struggled with it, Bell warmed up to the short-track rules with ease. Now his attention is on the Bristol race this weekend.
The half-mile track is notorious for its tight racing and simmering conflicts. With drivers complaining about passing difficulties in the new package, Bristol might set the stage for some intense brawls. Another new development is Bristol’s new look this year, and Bell is comfortable with it.
Christopher Bell is optimistic about Bristol
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Bristol Motor Speedway spent the last three seasons covered in Tennessee red clay. But after drivers got tired of NASCAR’s gimmick, officials decided to return the track to its original form. So we will watch Sunday’s Food City 500 unfold on a concrete platform.
Christopher Bell recently bubbled over with enthusiasm while talking about Bristol. “I love racing at Bristol,” said Bell. “It’s literally my favorite race on the schedule. I’m very thankful we get to go twice this year. It’s been a track we have excelled at the last couple of times we have been there — we’ve been close.”
Bell also highlighted the importance of Bristol in the journey to the annual Championship race. “Bristol is another important race for us; you don’t win the Championship there, but you can definitely lose it if you’re not good. Having a versatile car is the key to a good run at Bristol. We know the bottom will be good because they are spraying the resin (traction compound) down, and we know the top is going to come in at some point, so you have to have a car that can really run both places.”
Christopher Bell is no stranger to dirt tracks. He has dabbled in dirt racing in his younger years. Bell also clinched three straight Chili Bowl Nationals during NASCAR offseasons. But his confidence shows that he is ready to race brilliantly on any race track, whether concrete or dirt.
Bell’s versatility is evident in his Phoenix victory from last Sunday, which is still dominating the talk of the town.
Bell marks Phoenix’s victory as the first of many
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The immense skill that Christopher Bell showcased in the desert race is amazing, to say the least. While other drivers were fumbling to make passes, Bell expertly maneuvered his car from 20th position to the lead after Stage 2. The trick lay in his smart decision to take four new tires on his final stop. Hence he was able to comfortably grab the victory over Chris Buescher.
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Phoenix 🏁 🏆- only the beginning 👊🏼 #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/YTltpb6aI1
— Christopher Bell (@CBellRacing) March 11, 2024
“This is an important one. If you’re not good here, you’re never going to be a champion. I just hope that this gives a little bit more insight to the world the capability that the No. 20 team has.” He further added: “We want to be the championship contender year after year, multiple race wins year after year.”
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Christopher Bell only started his Cup career in 2020 and has already cemented his stature as a strong competition. We are pumped to see more smart moves by him in the next races.
Read More: Denny Hamlin Tips His Hat to Christopher Bell for His Phoenix Masterclass