Following Controversial Kyle Larson Altercation, Joe Gibbs?s Star Delivers Honest Statement; Jimmie Johnson Comes to Support

NASCAR is a realm where you can find yourself in the hot seat, whether you act or refrain from acting. Lately, one of the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers has been embroiled in just such a conundrum. Despite a string of victories in the rearview mirror, a single P2 finish has suddenly transformed him into a subject of scrutiny. The stage was set at the Las Vegas race, where Christopher Bell narrowly yielded to the indomitable Kyle Larson.

The riveting performance stirred a torrent of opinions, with NASCAR insiders, avid spectators, and seasoned analysts all chiming in. However, weary of the cacophony of commentary that bombarded him, the driver currently holding the coveted fifth position in the playoff standings decided it was high time to voice his perspective on the matter. In a remarkable twist, 7-time Cup champion Jimmie Johnson also tossed his consent behind the embattled driver.

Jimmie Johnson extends his support to Christopher Bell after a heart-pounding duel with Kyle Larson

Throughout the playoffs this season, Christopher Bell has consistently demonstrated his prowess, particularly in delivering blazing-fast performances in qualifying races. The 28-year-old JGR star has claimed 6 pole positions this season, with 4 occurring in playoff races. Although he’s yet to convert one into a win, the potential for triumph has shimmered tantalizingly close on nearly every occasion.

However, it appears that the spotlight is still on Bell, primarily for his finish in Las Vegas. Many pundits suggested that Bell could have maneuvered from the inside of Kyle Larson or even initiated contact with the #5 car. However, it appears the driver of the #20 Toyota has grown weary of the conjecture and has decided to address the matter directly.

In Christopher Bell’s own words, ?Whenever I got out of the car, I genuinely didn?t know what other moves I could have made. I am not going to blatantly wreck somebody, and I don?t really think I had the opportunity to blatantly wreck them. It?s not like I lift it. Coming to the checkered flag, I didn?t lift off the accelerator. And I didn?t pile-drive him. So, my run wasn?t massive. Certainly, if the #38 car wasn?t on the bottom, I think I probably could have gone to the inside and maybe got alongside of him. But even with that, I don?t know if I could have cleared him.

“So, honestly, it reminds me a little bit of Silly, the movie, where everybody is just critiquing silly and telling?he should have done this, he should have done that?and he is like, Look, man! This is real life. At the moment, this was my decision. And in the moment I chose what I chose, I did what I did. And I had 18 opportunities for it. Maybe I would have won the race. But I had one opportunity and a split-second decision, and I didn?t win the race.?

Jimmie Johnson, a seven-time Cup champion, threw his weight behind Christopher Bell. He shared the video where Bell was heard stating the above on his Twitter account with a caption that read, ?Keep being you @CBellRacing. I had similar critics? everything turned out fine. #JustSaying?.

The 48-year-old revealed that he too had encountered similar critics during his illustrious career, eventually establishing himself as one of NASCAR’s most celebrated drivers. Should Bell stay true to himself for the remainder of the 2023 season and beyond, it wouldn’t be astonishing to witness him clinch a championship title. Moreover, with two more races remaining, Christopher Bell still has ample opportunities to secure his position among the elite top 4 contenders.

Watch This Story: Christopher Bell Had Kyle Larson Heart in His Mouth During Lucky Championship 4 Escape

Can JGR’s #20 clinch victory in the final two races of the round of 8?

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Christopher Bell still has Homestead and Martinsville in his sights, each presenting an opportunity to secure a triumphant position. While the road ahead may appear arduous, considering seven other contenders share the same aspirations, a closer examination of Bell’s track record paints a compelling narrative.

At Homestead, the JGR driver has ventured onto the track 3 times, emerging within the top 10 once and boasting an average finish of 13.0. Meanwhile, at Martinsville, his record is equally noteworthy, with an average finish of 14.9 across seven starts, including two top-10 finishes and a memorable victory.

Read More: Kyle Larson vs Tyler Reddick: Which Driver to Pick to Make Hundreds of Dollars?

In light of these statistics, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver undeniably possesses two promising chances to claim a coveted spot among the elite top 4. But, as spectators, perhaps we ought to grant him the latitude and autonomy to craft his own destiny on the track.