Christopher Bell’s dominant 2025 season has NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick predicting a leadership shift at Joe Gibbs Racing. With consecutive wins at Atlanta and COTA, Bell is now eyeing a third victory at Phoenix—a surge Harvick believes is more than just momentum.
Harvick discussed the change on his Happy Hour podcast, arguing that Bell’s consistency and Denny Hamlin’s dual role as both a driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing are reshaping the leadership at JGR. “It’s developing into the Christopher Bell leadership role,” he said.
Kevin Harvick Names Christopher Bell JGR’s New Leader Amid Hamlin’s Shifting Role
Bell’s 2025 season—two wins, a series-leading 99 points at Phoenix last year, and a streak of top-five finishes—has solidified him as JGR’s breakout star. Harvick pointed out the contrast between Bell’s stable No. 20 team and the reshuffled No. 11 crew led by Hamlin.
“Where’s [Christopher] Bell at as the team leader at JGR? … being kind of that lead driver,” Harvick said. “Denny’s whole scenario has changed. So, with the performance and the continuity and everything being consistent for that No. 20 team, it just seems like, as they go forward, they’ve found a new leader for when Denny Hamlin is not at JGR anymore.”
Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner, remains a title contender. But his off-track responsibilities and JGR’s resource allocation weigh heavily. “Even when you’re a great leader, and you’re a great race car driver, sometimes you just never know if all the details are going to click, and it’s tough,” Harvick added, referencing Hamlin’s early-season inconsistencies.
Can Bell Topple Penske’s Phoenix Stronghold? Harvick Bets ‘Yes’
Phoenix Raceway, a Penske stronghold, presents Bell with his toughest challenge yet. Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano have combined for three championships at Phoenix since 2022. But Harvick backs Bell to disrupt their dominance.
“I’m going to stick with Bell. I just think they’re on a heater right now, and I think they’ve been rolling through pretty well,” Harvick declared, citing the 30-year-old’s adaptability. “When you have the confidence in a guy like Bell, I think that just keeps building, and I think that continuity between the team is going to go a long way for them to start the season.”
Bell’s challenge is historic: No JGR driver has won three straight races since 2018. Yet Harvick believes Phoenix’s abrasive surface and Bell’s tire management could tip the scales. “This is a pretty important race,” Harvick said. “To be able to put yourself in a position to understand where you stand for the championship race.”
Harvick’s assessment lingers: In NASCAR’s ever-shifting landscape, Bell isn’t just climbing—he’s reshaping JGR’s future.
