Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell addressed the recent on-track conflict involving teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs ahead of the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway. Bell reflected on the incident that occurred during the New Hampshire Speedway race, emphasizing the need to avoid intra-team collisions in future events.
During the New Hampshire race, tensions escalated when Hamlin, driving the #11 Toyota Camry XSE, and his teammate Gibbs in the #54 Camry battled closely for 11th place. On lap 110, the two made contact while exiting turn four, causing Gibbs to spin on the track. This event sparked discussions within the Joe Gibbs Racing team about racing dynamics among teammates.
Christopher Bell reflects on the incident with teammates
Speaking with NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass, Bell acknowledged the severity of the situation and the impact it had on the team. He stated,
“No, I mean, I think it’s definitely fair to say that a line was crossed, and that was, that was bad. We don’t need to get any teammates wrecked. Hopefully, we do better moving forward. And yeah, I think that that’s, that’s the goal for us to, you know, race each other better moving forward.” Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
When asked about any progress made since the incident or changes in the team’s approach, Bell remained optimistic but cautious. He noted,
“I don’t know; I mean, I think we all want to see each other do well and succeed. So, yeah, I don’t know. I only think that I will sum this up is that we had a productive meeting. And I feel optimistic about, you know, changes and moving forward.” Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing driver
Bell’s comments suggest that Joe Gibbs Racing is actively working to strengthen team dynamics and reduce on-track conflicts ahead of forthcoming races.
Bell prepares for Kansas Speedway with strong qualifying position
Following his sixth-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Christopher Bell is gearing up for the Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet at Kansas Speedway on Sunday, September 28, 2025. Bell secured a fifth-place qualifying position for the 267-lap main event and will start next to Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar, positioning himself well for another competitive performance.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s dominance continues with Bell’s Bristol victory
Joe Gibbs Racing has demonstrated remarkable strength during the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Cup Series, winning all three races thus far. Chase Briscoe initiated the team’s winning streak with a victory at the Cook Out Southern 500 in Darlington Raceway. Following that, Denny Hamlin secured a win at the Enjoy Illinois 300 in Gateway, and Christopher Bell extended the momentum by winning at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Bell’s triumph at Bristol marked the third consecutive race victory for Joe Gibbs Racing, underscoring the team’s competitive edge this season. Reflecting on the significance of this win, the team owner expressed enthusiastic support:
“We love this place. I think it’s one of the most exciting races of the year. It is just a thrill tonight. I think we have fast cars all the way around, and for Christopher to get the win was great for DeWalt. Just appreciate them, Toyota, all of our partners…just a big deal for us.” Team owner, Joe Gibbs Racing
This season, Christopher Bell has delivered an impressive performance, sitting fourth in the Cup Series points standings with 3,064 points. His record includes four wins, 17 top-ten finishes, 10 top-fives, and one pole position across 30 starts, establishing him as a strong contender as the championship heats up.
Importance of team harmony and what lies ahead
Christopher Bell’s comments and the recent team meeting emphasize Joe Gibbs Racing’s focus on balancing competitive racing with cooperation among teammates. Avoiding incidents like the one between Hamlin and Gibbs is crucial for maintaining the team’s winning streak and maximizing their championship potential.
As Bell heads into the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, the hope is that lessons learned from past conflicts will contribute to a more cohesive and successful approach on the track. With four wins so far and a strong position in the points standings, Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing are poised to remain significant factors in this year’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff battle.
Christopher Bell said he feels the JGR driver meeting with leadership this week was productive. He wouldn't go into details but said the goal is they race each other better moving forward. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/RW8qct92T6
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 27, 2025
