Bell’s victory in final season’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway kicked off what ended up as his greatest yr but within the Cup Collection.
The 28-year-old native of Norman, Okla., ended the 2022 season with three wins – two within the playoffs – and certified for the Championship 4 at Phoenix. He ended a career-best third within the last standings.
Bell and his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing group have already got a win this yr – on the Bristol Dust Observe – and he’s at present fourth within the sequence standings however Bell believes he and his group have the potential for way more.
Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Rheem / WATTS Toyota Camry
Photograph by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
“I don’t suppose that it’s all come collectively but, no,” Bell mentioned. “We’ve positively had some extra constructive moments, however we’re nonetheless struggling to place all of the items collectively. Hopefully, meaning it’ll come in a while within the season.
“However I don’t suppose we’ve received it put collectively but.”
As Bell appears to be like to repeat his win of a yr in the past this Sunday at New Hampshire, he nonetheless is in a a lot better place than he was presently final season.
The battle for playoff factors
The dearth of playoff factors made Bell’s development via the playoff rounds final yr a battle and there’s a large chunk of these factors (15) nonetheless on the desk if may seize the common season title. He sits 37 factors behind chief William Byron with seven races remaining.
“I don’t know if it’s good or unhealthy, however positively, I’m centered on it lots,” Bell mentioned of maintaining along with his place within the standings. “We’re in a novel spot as a result of there’s numerous vehicles which might be nonetheless within the hunt, proper?
“So, I’m racing for factors towards numerous vehicles. Final weekend clearly the No. 24 of William (Byron) had an awesome weekend, however the remainder of the fellows sort of had been all in the identical boat.
“I didn’t lose any floor to anyone aside from William, and I feel Kyle Busch is now (forward) of me (by one level) the place he was a bit bit behind me. All it takes is one unhealthy race and that security internet that William has is gone.”
Race winner Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota Camry
Photograph by: John Harrelson / NKP / Motorsport Pictures
With seven races to go earlier than the 16-driver discipline is about for the playoffs, 5 drivers are inside 70 factors of Byron – a troublesome however not insurmountable deficit. A driver can rating as much as 60 factors by profitable each phases and a race.
With New Hampshire adopted by the season’s second journey to Richmond, Va. – the place Bell completed fourth within the spring – he’s in a wonderful place over the subsequent two weeks to make large features.
“It positively seems that quick tracks are good for us in the meanwhile,” Bell mentioned. “I might count on us to be aggressive at Loudon however the discipline is tight. Taking a look at Phoenix earlier within the yr, the Hendrick vehicles had been actually good. Kevin Harvick is all the time superior at Loudon. Kyle Busch is all the time superior at Loudon.
“I don’t suppose it’s going to be a homerun by any means, however I might count on the Toyotas to be sturdy on this type observe.”
