Christopher Bell’s NASCAR odds have improved significantly following his recent victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking a crucial turning point in his 2025 season. Bell, who qualified for the Round of 12 for the fourth consecutive season, entered the playoffs aiming to secure his first NASCAR Cup Serieschampionship after a six-month winless stretch.
Christopher Bell Reflects on His NASCAR Playoff Journey
Bell described this year’s playoff run as unlike any before, sharing insights on the Stacking Pennies podcast. He acknowledged the challenges faced in the prior seasons, highlighting how his performance fluctuated between underdog and favorite roles without delivering a championship. Speaking candidly, Bell said,
“In ’22 I felt like an underdog and we overperformed,
he said.
“We made it to the championship event. And then 2023, I felt like a favorite, but got treated like an underdog, and still didn’t lead to a championship, obviously.”
He continued to outline his experience this season, saying,
“And then in 2024, I felt like the favorite and arguably was one of the favorites, and it didn’t work out either. We didn’t even make it. So, 2025, I feel like we’ve just kind of taken a step back. We started out really strong and then throughout the summer months we frankly were not in championship form at all and and I just felt like it was going to be an uphill battle and we’ve slowly turned the page between Darlington, we had great car performance and not the execution, and then it got better at Gateway and then obviously Bristol worked out really well with getting the win.”
Bell emphasized a measured confidence heading into the playoffs:
“So, I feel like we’re slowly getting back to championship form, but certainly, going into the playoffs, I can’t tell you that I felt like it was ours to lose. That’s for sure.”
Current Standings and Playoff Position
As Bell prepares for the second round of playoffs, he holds a solid position ranked No. 4 in playoff points, maintaining a 20-point lead above the cutoff. The competition remains fierce, as the four lowest-ranked drivers in the Round of 12 are separated by just three points from No. 8 Bubba Wallace, underscoring the tight playoff battle ahead for all contenders.
Key Developments in the Mobil 1 301 Race Build-Up
Joe Gibbs Racing continued to dominate the early playoff rounds, sweeping all three events in the Round of 16 and collecting 18 of the 21 points available. Meanwhile, Zane Smith impressed with a career-best third-place finish at Bristol, his first top-10 in 11 races, signaling momentum heading into the Mobil 1 301. On the other hand, Josh Berry faced a tough setback after finishing last in all three Round of 16 races, effectively ending his playoff hopes. Berry expressed his frustration, saying,
Image of: NASCAR Cup Series
“I don’t think you could ever script three last-place finishes in the ways that we’ve gotten them over the last few weeks,”
via NBC Sports.
The playoff outcomes have set the stage for a highly competitive Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and left fans eager to see which drivers will advance in this unforgiving phase of the championship.
Driver Odds for the Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire
The odds for drivers in the upcoming Mobil 1 301 reflect the uncertainties and competitive nature of the playoff field, according to BetOnline Sportsbook. Leading contenders look to assert themselves on the 1.058-mile oval, where experience and track specialty often influence finishing positions.
Predicted Top Contenders and Strategic Picks
Kyle Larson (+650) aims to end a winless streak that dates back to May’s Kansasrace. Known for his expertise on short tracks and dirt surfaces, Larson has shown strong form recently with two top-five finishes in his last three starts at New Hampshire, making him a serious threat.
Chase Briscoe (+750) also garners attention after capturing the first Round of 16 event. With consistent results including one top-five and two top-10 finishes at Loudon in recent outings, Briscoe is determined not to falter as the playoffs reach their midpoint.
John Hunter Nemechek (+10000) represents the longshot pick. Although he has only raced once previously at the Monster Mile, Nemechek posted a top-10 finish in that lone appearance, suggesting he could surprise the field. Reflecting on his performance, Nemechek tweeted,
Proud of our effort last night. Put ourselves in good position and executed all day but got hurt by the late race caution.#TeamToyota
Impact of Bell’s Bristol Win on His 2025 Season
Bell’s triumph at Bristol did more than end a drought; it propelled him to lead the category for the best average finish in 2025, surpassing Chase Elliott who had held that position for the previous 12 races. This milestone highlights Bell’s renewed competitiveness and suggests that his momentum could carry through the playoffs.
This victory arrives at a critical moment, potentially shifting the championship dynamics as Bell battles other top contenders in upcoming events. The progression of the playoffs remains intense and unsettled, with Bell’s improved NASCAR odds reflecting how a single win can recalibrate expectations.
As the Mobil 1 301 approaches, all eyes remain on the drivers to see who can leverage recent momentum into playoff success and who will face elimination in the next stage of the season’s critical battles.
Following his win at Bristol, Christopher Bell took over the lead for the best average finish in 2025, a category Chase Elliott had led for the past 12 races. pic.twitter.com/iUVW52pIap
Proud of our effort last night. Put ourselves in good position and executed all day but got hurt by the late race caution.#TeamToyotapic.twitter.com/qbAZ8YSRYW
