Christopher Bell enters Sunday’s Shriner’s Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway with momentum that few drivers have ever experienced. Fresh off back-to-back wins at Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas, the Joe Gibbs Racing star could become the first driver in NASCAR’s Next Gen era to claim three consecutive victories.
Sitting fourth in the standings, Bell trails leader William Byron by 21 points. But Phoenix, a track where he won last spring, offers a prime stage to rewrite history. For now, the 30-year-old insists milestones take a backseat to execution.
Christopher Bell Balances Confidence and Focus Ahead of Phoenix
Bell’s recent surge contrasts sharply with his Daytona 500 crash. A thrilling overtime win at Atlanta and a dominant COTA performance showcased his adaptability, yet the No. 20 Toyota team remains laser-focused.
“That would be something I’d probably think about afterward, but right now, it just feels like a normal week,” Bell said of the three-peat possibility. “A week where we have a great opportunity because this is a great track for me, and I’m excited about the opportunity, not thinking about three-in-a-row.”
Starting 11th at Phoenix’s one-mile oval won’t faze him. Crew chief Adam Stevens highlighted the team’s refined approach:
“So far this year, we’ve had three races and put ourselves in position three times, and it’s worked out twice.” Bell’s confidence stems from progress. “It’s just very refreshing to know we’ve improved our weaknesses,” he said.
“This is a strength for us, and we know we should be competitive if we do our jobs right.”
History Takes Shape as Bell Navigates NASCAR’s Next Gen Challenge
Only 28 drivers have claimed three consecutive Cup Series wins since 1972. Kyle Larson, the last to do so in 2021, used the feat to fuel his championship run. No driver has replicated it with the Next Gen car, making Bell’s bid a potential milestone.
Stevens tempered expectations while acknowledging momentum. “I don’t think we’re going to continue that batting average all year,” he said. “But it’s just up to us to do everything we can to put ourselves in that spot.”
For Bell, Phoenix kicks off a critical stretch of five ovals, favoring his technical precision.
“It’s tough because the last part of the schedule,” he admitted. “The two speedways and then the road course, literally none of that translates into what we’ll be doing here in Phoenix.”
With history within reach, Bell’s quiet resolve might silence the record books.
