In NASCAR, few rivalries are as heated as the one between Team Penske and Joe Gibbs Racing. Over the years, moments like the altercation between Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano at Bristol 2024 have only added fuel to the fire. But, the rivalry dates back decades, rooted from Rusty Wallace from Penske and Dale Jarrett from JGR. As we progress through the 2025 season, the rivalry has only intensified, especially with top-tier drivers like Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Chase Briscoe on the JGR roster apart from Hamlin. The impressionable C. Bell, in particular, has already set the tone, securing a win at the Ambetter Health 400 and the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.

The upcoming Phoenix race is pivotal, especially considering it will host the championship race later in the season. This race could be the perfect opportunity for either team to further solidify their dominance. However, there’s more at play here than just a race win. Kevin Harvick shared some bold thoughts on Christopher Bell’s chances in his team’s championship hunt.

Kevin Harvick opens up about Bell’s championship prospects

Being the winningest driver of the track, Harvick recently shared his thoughts on Christopher Bell’s championship potential, particularly in light of Team Penske’s strong performances at Phoenix Raceway. Kevin Harvick emphasized the significance of the upcoming Phoenix race, stating, “This is a pretty important race to be able to put yourself in a position to understand where you stand for the championship race.”

Team Penske’s dominance at Phoenix is well-documented. Joey Logano clinched his third NASCAR Cup Series championship with a victory at Phoenix Raceway in 2024. More importantly for Team Penske, Logano’s teammate, Ryan Blaney, finished in the second place, asserting the team’s dominance in the sport and at Phoenix.

A year earlier, Ryan Blaney managed to secure the second spot but won the 2023 Cup Series championship with the runner-up finish. And, if we go back a year further, we can again see Logano securing the top spot and claiming his second championship. Despite Penske’s stronghold at Phoenix, Harvick believes Bell could pose a significant challenge this year.

He remarked, “I don’t know that if you see Christopher Bell get there… I think he would challenge those guys for sure with the performance that they’ve had in the car.” Bell’s recent form supports this assertion from Harvick. He has secured two wins in the first three races of the 2025 season, triumphing at both the Ambetter Health 400 and the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix, becoming the 2nd driver to achieve this feat after 2018!

Harvick also highlighted the importance of consistent preparation throughout the season. He noted that as the playoffs approach, the top-performing drivers often mirror the championship contenders, emphasizing the need for teams to maintain high standards. “How many of those details can you stack… because until you can prepare at that level all year, it makes it really difficult,” Kevin Harvick commented.

The upcoming Phoenix race will serve as a litmus test for Christopher Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing. A strong performance could disrupt Team Penske’s dominance and position Bell as a formidable championship contender.

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Joey Logano’s struggles in the 2025 season

Team Penske’s star driver, Joey Logano’s 2025 campaign has not started as expected, with setbacks overshadowing his early promise. At the Daytona 500, he showed speed, winning Stage 1 and positioning himself as a contender. However, on Lap 186, a late-race multi-car crash ended his hopes. While attempting to squeeze between Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ryan Blaney, Logano got caught in an aggressive block, triggering a wreck that took out several top contenders, including himself and Kyle Busch.

At Atlanta, Logano initially looked strong, leading the most laps in the Ambetter Health 400. However, as the race unfolded, his performance slipped, and he ultimately finished 12th. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell capitalized on race strategy and speed, taking the checkered flag.

The struggles continued at COTA, where Logano endured a frustrating weekend. Starting deep in the field in 23rd, he failed to gain significant ground and finished 24th, far behind race-winner Bell. This marked his second consecutive race where Bell took the victory while Logano was left searching for answers. For a former champion, these results were far below expectations.

Logano’s slow start is surprising, especially given his strong history as a title contender. Last season, he demonstrated resilience and adaptability en route to his 2024 championship. However, in 2025, Team Penske seems to be struggling with execution, whether in tire strategy, race pace, or late-race performance. While Bell has already notched two wins, Logano has yet to find his rhythm.

With the season still young, Logano and Team Penske have time to turn things around. However, with key rivals like Bell and JGR gaining momentum, can Logano adjust before the championship picture starts slipping away? Or will we see another driver after Kyle Larson telling us later that they ‘hated’ Bell at the early stages of their career?