Following his win in last Sunday night’s NASCAR All-Star Race, Christopher Bell is undergoing a significant team adjustment ahead of this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver will have a new spotter, as Stevie Reeves is stepping down from the role.
According to FOX Motorsports insider Bob Pockrass, Matt Philpott will replace Reeves as Christopher Bell’s spotter for the #20 Toyota. This change was confirmed by NBC Sports, with Pockrass sharing the update on social media platform X.
“Spotter change for Christopher Bell. Matt Philpott will be spotting for Bell as Stevie Reeves no longer spotting for Bell.”
Christopher Bell claimed his first career victory in the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, securing the $1 million prize by overtaking Joey Logano late in the 250-lap event. Starting second, Bell led 28 laps and showcased strong race pace throughout.
Bell enters the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 with considerable momentum from his recent triumph. As the defending winner of the Coca-Cola 600, Bell secured last year’s victory at Charlotte after the race was shortened by rain, leading a race-high 90 laps while starting third.
In the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Bell has demonstrated consistent high performance, winning three consecutive races at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas (CoTA), and Phoenix. After 12 races, he holds six top-five finishes, eight top-10s, and sits third in the points standings with an average finish of 11.2.
Christopher Bell Reacts to Joey Logano’s Frustration from All-Star Race Battle
While Christopher Bell celebrated his All-Star Race win, Joey Logano was visibly upset following the late-race contact that allowed Bell to pass him. Logano, a three-time and defending Cup champion, expressed frustration over the incident.
In the post-race press conference, Bell expressed surprise at Logano’s reaction, stating he did not anticipate such displeasure from the #22 driver.
“Joey was frustrated? He was frustrated? That is interesting. I genuinely would not have guessed that,” Christopher Bell said (0:06 onwards, via Steven Taranto on X)
Bell described his approach during the final laps, emphasizing that he took the opportunity within the aggressive nature of racing. He pointed out that Logano also engages in similar on-track moves and that the actions taken were part of the competitive driver’s mindset.
“I had got to him a couple times before and he made it very difficult on me, as he should. I got my run and I took the moment, as I should. I don’t think that I did anything that Joey has not done and I’ve seen Joey do much worse. So, we will continue on,” Christopher Bell said (0:25 onwards)
This change in spotter could influence Bell’s tactical decisions in the upcoming Coca-Cola 600, where tight communication between driver and spotter plays a crucial role. Bell’s momentum, combined with a new spotter dynamic, will be closely watched as he defends his title at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
