Christopher Bell’s ascent in the NASCAR Cup Series took another impressive turn in the 2025 season, captivating fans and analysts with his ongoing progress at the top level. This season, Bell’s consistent improvement and notable win tally set a new benchmark, making the Christopher Bell NASCAR Cup improvement topic one of the sport’s most compelling discussions.
Steady Rise Since His Cup Series Debut
Bell made his Cup Series debut in 2020 with Leavine Family Racing, ending his rookie campaign with an average finishing position of 20.3. After joining Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021, he swiftly cut his average finish to 15.8, signaling a driver coming into his own. The 2022 season introduced the Next Gen car, wherein many drivers struggled, but Bell advanced further, achieving a 13.8 average finish and earning his best final standing to date with a third-place overall result.
The upward trajectory continued. By 2023, Bell reached a 12.9 average finish. Maintaining this momentum, his 2024 campaign resulted in a 12.8 average. Across this period, Bell qualified for the playoffs every year except his rookie run, consistently landing in the top five of the standings beyond his first two seasons. These trends weren’t just numerical; they reflected his growth and ability to adapt amid increasingly fierce competition.
Breakout Success and Key Moments in 2025
The 2025 season was transformative for Bell, highlighted by four total wins and a major leap in consistency. Early in the year, he scored three consecutive victories, conquering races in Atlanta, the Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix. His average finish surged to 11.2 by season’s end, reinforcing this campaign as his strongest yet.
“Christopher Bell’s average NASCAR Cup Series finish per season:
2025- 11.2
2024- 12.8
2023- 12.9
2022- 13.8
2021- 15.8
2020- 20.3 pic.twitter.com/1F6XCYz8xN” — Racing Territory (@RacingTerritory) January 2, 2026
Had he managed to overtake Kyle Larson at Martinsville’s penultimate race, Bell could have fought for the championship in the Phoenix finale. Larson’s strong performance, running within the top five for most of the day, edged Bell out of title contention by just seven points. Still, Bell’s 11th-place finish at Phoenix secured his spot in the top five drivers for a remarkable fourth consecutive year.
Statistical Milestones and Season Highlights
The depth of Christopher Bell NASCAR Cup improvement was most evident in his race statistics. This season, he achieved a personal best with four Cup Series wins, notched up 13 top-five finishes, reached the top 10 in 22 races, and led the field for a total of 282 laps. His dominant run at the spring Phoenix event stood out: Bell led 105 laps and matched up against JGR teammate Denny Hamlin and rival Kyle Larson in a dramatic green-white-checkered finish, ultimately grabbing his third straight victory at that stage.
Looking Ahead for Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing
Christopher Bell’s evolving performance demonstrates not only personal growth but also raises expectations for the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing operation in future seasons. With a proven record of continuous improvement and the ability to thrive under pressure, Bell’s championship prospects in upcoming years appear brighter than ever. His journey from Cup Series rookie to leading contender serves as an inspiring narrative for NASCAR fans, as competitors like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin continue to push the bar higher across storied tracks such as Atlanta, Martinsville, and Phoenix Raceway.
Christopher Bell’s average NASCAR Cup Series finish per season:
2025- 11.2
2024- 12.8
2023- 12.9
2022- 13.8
2021- 15.8
2020- 20.3 pic.twitter.com/1F6XCYz8xN— Racing Territory (@RacingTerritory) January 2, 2026
