Kyle Larson’s Reflections on Bell’s Impressive Streak
Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion, is no stranger to the exhilarating and demanding experience of winning multiple races in a row. Up until Christopher Bell’s recent triumph at Phoenix Raceway, Larson was the last driver to achieve this feat, having won three consecutive Cup events during his championship season in 2021. Reflecting on Bell’s accomplishment, Larson expressed a deep understanding of the challenge. "It’s extremely tough to win two in a row, I feel like, in the Next Gen era, and for them to win three in a row is really impressive," he remarked. Larson’s insights carry weight, given his recent history and the immense pressure that comes with maintaining a winning streak in NASCAR. He underscored the strength of Bell’s team, noting, "Their team is just strong. Their race cars are really fast. Bell is a phenomenal racecar driver, obviously." Larson’s admiration for Bell’s skills and the team’s performance is evident, highlighting the blend of talent, strategy, and execution that has propelled Bell to this historic run.
Christopher Bell’s Dominant Performance at Phoenix Raceway
Christopher Bell’s victory at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday was nothing short of dominant. He led 105 of the 312 laps, a commanding presence that would have likely resulted in an uncontested win if not for some late cautions. The final moments of the race were particularly intense, with Bell engaging in a side-by-side battle with his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Denny Hamlin. Despite the pressure, Bell managed to edge Hamlin by a mere 0.049 seconds at the finish line. "I thought I had lost the race coming to the white flag on the bottom with Denny on my outside. And then I once again felt like I had lost the race coming to the checkered flag down the back straightaway whenever Denny was on the outside," Bell admitted. He credited a strategic push from Larson’s No. 5 car, which gave him the extra boost needed to secure the win. "I don’t know how I won. I do know how I won. The [No.] 5 car [of Larson] gave me a great shove coming off the turn forward to push me to the line, and that was the difference maker." Bell’s win at Phoenix is a testament to his skill and the team’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure.
A Historic Milestone in NASCAR
Bell’s three consecutive wins mark a significant milestone in NASCAR’s recent history. This is the first time a driver has achieved such a feat with the Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, and it is also the first time a driver has won three of the first four races since Kevin Harvick did it in 2018. Denny Hamlin, a seasoned veteran with 54 Cup victories, echoed the sentiment of his teammate’s accomplishment. "Obviously, you see a gain in performance there, but you don’t know [why]. It could be a lot of different things," Hamlin said. "Is it our cars better? Is it circumstances in a speedway race or road-course race or like this one? I guess he probably dominated." Hamlin’s perspective adds depth to the achievement, suggesting that while there may be multiple factors contributing to Bell’s success, his dominance is undeniable.
Joe Gibbs’ Praise and Mystery
Joe Gibbs, the legendary team owner and former NFL coach, was equally impressed but equally puzzled by Bell’s winning streak. Despite Bell’s 19-race winless streak that ended 2024, Gibbs noted the talent and potential that Bell has always possessed. "I’ve got to tell you the truth," Gibbs said. "I don’t know that I have an answer for that." What he does know, however, is the exceptional partnership between Bell and his crew chief, Adam Stevens, who has won two Cup titles with Kyle Busch. "We all kind of watch him, the talent he has," Gibbs reflected. "I think it shows up. [These three wins] says a lot about the talent." Gibbs’s comments highlight the often unpredictable and cyclical nature of racing, where a combination of perseverance and teamwork can lead to sudden and remarkable success.
Bell’s Humble Explanation and Future Prospects
Christopher Bell’s explanation for his winning streak is humble yet insightful. "We should have won a lot, but we didn’t win any," he acknowledged. "It was just bad fortune, some lack of execution. … The performance had been there. It was just getting everything to line up, and now we’re clicking." Bell’s words underscore the resilience and patience required in motorsports, where even the best teams can face long stretches without victories. The upcoming races at Las Vegas and Homestead, both tracks where Bell has shown exceptional speed, present a real opportunity for him to extend his winning streak. "The more wins you get, the more confidence you get as well as your team gets," Larson pointed out. "He’s getting to go to Vegas, another track where he’s stupid fast and then Homestead maybe after that?" The early-season momentum could prove crucial, setting the stage for what could be a remarkable campaign.
Riding the Wave of Success
For Bell and his team, the current winning streak is more than just a series of victories; it represents a wave of confidence and momentum. "Everybody’s grinning ear to ear and just trying to ride the wave," Bell said. Drawing from his extensive racing experience, Bell recognizes that such periods of success are fleeting and should be cherished. "I’ve raced long enough throughout my life that I know it comes in waves. And there are times where it just feels like you can’t do anything right, and there are times where you feel like you can’t do anything wrong." Bell’s mindset is a blend of humility and determination, as he aims to make the most of this positive run. No driver has won four consecutive races since Jimmie Johnson in 2007, making Bell’s upcoming performances a highly anticipated aspect of the season. For now, Bell and his team are focused on capitalizing on their early success and maintaining their winning form as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to the next challenges.
