Christopher Bell’s hopes of competing in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year ended in disappointment during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. Despite a strong performance earlier in the season, including three consecutive victories, Bell was unable to secure a spot in the finale at Phoenix. This outcome has left many, including veteran driver and commentator Kyle Petty, astonished.
Bell’s season started promisingly, highlighted by his win at Bristol in September. He maintained consistency, finishing in the top 10 in the final eight races of the Cup Series, which included a podium finish in three consecutive events. Despite these accomplishments, the cumulative points were not enough to propel him into the championship contention.
Last year, Bell faced a similar fate, narrowly missing out on the Championship 4 after losing the final spot to William Byron. As he approached the Martinsville race, Bell was in a points battle against Kyle Larson. Although he entered the race with a one-point lead, Larson’s performance allowed him to gain 49 points while Bell could only muster 41.
In a recent discussion with analysts Steve Letarte and Alex Weaver, Petty expressed his disbelief regarding Bell’s failure to advance. He stated, “For me, it’s unbelievable. I have felt this season that he and Denny were the most consistent, got more looks at wins, ran up front more, put themselves in position more to score stage points, to score wins. It just felt that way. And I just felt like he was a lock.”
Reflecting on last year’s near-miss, Petty reminisced about how Bell had to wait nearly 20 minutes for NASCAR’s decision after a desperate last-lap maneuver that saw him ride the wall to gain ground on Byron. This year, however, Bell simply fell short of the cut.
Despite this setback, Petty commended Bell for his strong performance throughout the year. He remarked, “Phenomenal season, and I’m telling you, he just continues to get better and better and better. And it’s got to be just crushing.” Petty noted that both Bell and his crew chief, Adam Stevens, likely felt they could secure a championship if they reached the Phoenix finale.
Petty anticipates that Bell and his team will approach the upcoming race at Phoenix with determination. He believes they will want to demonstrate their capabilities, stating, “If I was in this, this is what you were going to have to deal with.”
As the NASCAR season draws to a close, the disappointment of missing out on the Championship 4 is a stark reminder of the fierce competition within the sport. Bell’s journey reflects the highs and lows of racing, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the sport. The upcoming finale will showcase not just the champions, but also the resilience of those who strive for greatness, even when faced with setbacks.
