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The NASCAR playoffs are just around the corner, and the conversation is heating up about which drivers have the best chance of clinching the championship. Kyle Larson is a name that stands out, as he has consistently been a top contender. Tyler Reddick is another key figure, having just secured the regular season championship. Denny Hamlin, a veteran with a long-standing quest for his first NASCAR Cup Series title, is also a prominent name on the list of potential champions.
However, one driver who often gets overshadowed but deserves attention is Christopher Bell. Bell, driver of the #20 car, embodies the belief that ‘actions speak louder than words.’ He is determined to prove himself and move beyond the underdog status, aiming for his third consecutive appearance in the championship race, which he believes he can finally win this year.
So, what are Christopher Bell’s chances for this season’s championship? After a notable victory at Phoenix, Bell reflected on why he is still perceived as an underdog despite his impressive career. He noted, “I’m considered an underdog because I’m not the one leading all the laps like Martin Truex Jr. did at Richmond or dominating the race. We haven’t quite been able to do that.” Bell recognizes that to shift this perception, he needs more dominant performances, including starting from pole position and leading throughout the race.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. also weighs in on Bell’s championship prospects. On the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior mentioned his championship picks, stating, “My championship four is Joey Logano, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney, with Blaney winning back-to-back. However, if that doesn’t happen, I believe Christopher Bell will win the championship.” This highlights the high regard in which Bell is held, despite the competition.
Bell’s performance this season has been impressive. In the Charlotte race, he led for 90 laps and secured the victory. His dominance continued at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he led 149 laps and won his third race of the season. As the playoffs begin, Bell’s confidence is high, bolstered by his Phoenix win. He expressed on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, “This year, we’ve shown more of our capabilities and I feel confident about our chances. Our performance at Phoenix and similar tracks like Richmond and Loudon has been strong. If we make it to the championship race, I’d feel as confident as ever.”
Bell’s statistics support his optimism: he has accumulated 32 playoff points, secured three wins, and has an average finish of 15th. If he reaches Phoenix, it will mark his third consecutive championship appearance. However, he fell short in the previous two finals due to pit crew errors and mechanical issues. In contrast, Denny Hamlin, despite his extensive experience and two decades in the NASCAR Cup Series, has yet to win a title. Hamlin’s experience is substantial, with 54 Cup Series wins, but he has faced challenges, including a 10th place finish at this year’s Phoenix race.
Both Bell and Hamlin have had comparable seasons, each with three wins and an average finish of 15th. Nevertheless, both faced disappointing qualifying results at Atlanta, with Bell starting 26th and Hamlin 38th. Despite these setbacks, NASCAR veterans still view both drivers as strong championship contenders.
When it comes to the playoffs, success hinges on making it to the Phoenix championship race and winning. Bell’s recent performances, particularly his strong showing on shorter, flatter tracks similar to Phoenix, make him a formidable contender. In the spring race at Phoenix, Bell overcame a 20th-place restart to win by a significant margin. If he can replicate this performance in the final race, he could secure the championship.
On the other hand, Hamlin brings extensive experience to the table. As the driver with the most Cup Series wins without a championship, Hamlin’s 54 victories demonstrate his skill. Kevin Harvick, in a recent podcast episode of ‘Happy Hour,’ backed Hamlin, stating, “I’m sticking with Denny Hamlin. Given his performance this year and his history, I believe he’s running out of chances and will be highly motivated.”
While both veterans have their favorites, Dale Jr. also acknowledges Bell’s potential, adding him to his list of possible champions. The debate over who will emerge victorious is ongoing. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how the playoffs unfold and which driver will ultimately capture the championship.