In Las Vegas, Christopher Bell will try to win his fourth Cup race in a row — a feat no NASCAR driver has achieved since Jimmie Johnson in 2007. Notably, the Legacy Motor Club owner has messaged Bell after each of his three wins so far this season.
The seven-time Cup Series champion has praised Bell for each victory, leaving the Toyota No. 20 driver surprised every time Johnson’s name pops up on his phone.
Christopher Bell Honored and Star-Struck by Jimmie Johnson’s Gesture
Speaking during the pre-race press conference in Las Vegas, Bell called it the “coolest thing” to have Johnson’s name saved in his phone. He said it shocks him every time the LMC co-owner sends him a congratulatory message.
Furthermore, Bell considers it an honor to know Johnson is thinking of him after the race, despite them being on-track competitors.
“I respect the hell out of him. It’s an honor to know that he (Johnson) thinks of me after the race to shoot me a text message. That’s so cool!” Bell told the media.
.@CBellRacing says @JimmieJohnson has texted him after every win this year, and Bell can’t believe it and is so geeked out that Jimmie thinks of him and that he even has Jimmie’s number.
Then @bobpockrass cracks “Did he ask for your setup yet?”
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 14, 2025
Having won on a superspeedway, a road course, and a short track, Bell now aims to win on an intermediate track.
Currently second in the driver standings, Bell trails William Byron despite winning three races this season. A DNF cost Bell valuable points, allowing Byron to build a 13-point lead.
Even with more wins, Bell is content with NASCAR’s points system. He acknowledged that not earning enough stage points is why he isn’t leading but believes the standings will balance out as the regular season continues.
In terms of playoff points, however, Bell holds the lead. He has 16 playoff points from three race wins and one stage win. Each race win earns a driver five playoff points, while a stage win adds one.
Byron, meanwhile, has six playoff points from winning the Daytona 500 and a stage win at Phoenix.
Bell has never won a regular-season championship, making it his top goal. After falling short in past seasons, he wants to secure the 15 bonus points awarded to the regular-season champion before heading into the playoffs.
But before that, Bell will try to match Johnson’s four-race win streak after becoming the first driver of the Next Gen era to earn a three-peat in the Cup Series.