Christopher Bell showcased his skill and determination at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway, delivering a stunning late-race charge to secure his first victory at the track. Despite the intensity and unpredictability of the race, Bell’s No. 20 Toyota remained in the top ten for most of the 496 laps, ultimately edging out a competitive field to reaffirm his standing as a championship contender. However, the primary focus for Bell and his team extends beyond individual race wins, aiming squarely at capturing the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title.
Adam Stevens Highlights Long-Term Championship Ambitions
Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew chief Adam Stevens offered insight into the team’s mindset during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, emphasizing that the ultimate objective remains the season championship rather than just race victories. Stevens acknowledged the issues the No. 20 team faced through the year, including numerous incidents, crashes, and mistakes, but stressed a firm commitment to continuous improvement and consistency.
“There’s plenty of things about this year that bother me, but people’s opinions or articles don’t really register with me… we do need to be leading more laps. Looking back through the finishes we’ve just had way too many incidents, crashes, spins, speeding on pit road, and just a lot of things we need to clean up,”
Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
Bell’s 2025 campaign has been marked by impressive speed, reflected in a 9.8 average running position and a 13.4 average starting position. However, his four wins lag slightly behind teammates like Denny Hamlin and Briscoe, who have seen more laps led and victories. Stevens believes the pace is there but that a cleaner on-track execution is necessary to convert potential into wins.
“As a team, we’ve put cars on the racetrack capable of winning more races than we have in any year. We just haven’t been able to do it as a team. But the first goal when we sit down every year is to win the championship… everything up to that is a stepping stone goal.”
Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
Bell’s triumph at Bristol, secured by a timely pit call for fresh tires late in the race, exemplified the broader championship strategy JGR has implemented. Stevens’ words underline the team’s determination to channel every result toward the pursuit of the Cup title, viewing individual wins and stage points as pieces of a larger puzzle.
Historically, Bell has demonstrated the ability to peak at critical moments, as seen with his Championship 4 appearances in 2022 and 2023, which featured clutch drives rather than the most wins in the season. Stevens’ focus on what he terms “stepping stones” ties directly to Bell’s capacity to excel in high-stakes situations despite occasional setbacks during the regular season.
“We wanted to win the regular season championship and we did… but that doesn’t prevent us from racing for this championship. We set lofty goals and when you set lofty goals you open the window to be disappointed when you don’t achieve them. But you have to prioritize those goals and keep your eyes on the prize.”
Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
Heading into the upcoming race at Loudon, Bell’s safety net from his Bristol win and accumulation of stage points positions him as a formidable contender. With a previous victory at Loudon and an average finish under nine from 2024, Bell’s momentum appears strong. The team’s championship-focused mindset maintains its sharp edge as the season advances toward pivotal events like the one in Phoenix.
Christopher Bell’s Frustrations Reflect a Fierce Desire to Win
Bell’s intense competitive drive surfaced most notably following the Enjoy Illinois 300 at Gateway, where he finished seventh despite believing his car was the fastest on the track. Frustrated with the team’s satisfaction with a solid finish rather than pressing for victory, Bell’s candid radio outburst revealed the pressure he feels internally and the hunger that fuels his performance.
“We just f-ing ran seventh with the best car on the track! Every f-ing week, it’s the same s–t. We’re the last car to pit road. I’m over it,”
Christopher Bell, Driver
“Checkered flag. P7. That’s what we needed today. Takes the pressure off next week.”
Adam Stevens, Crew Chief
The contrasting perspectives between Bell and Stevens during that race underscore the tension between short-term aims and long-term championship goals. Bell’s teammates Denny Hamlin and Briscoe finished first and second, amplifying his frustration at the lost opportunity despite strong equipment. Bell later addressed the widespread attention his radio comments received, recognizing the unique visibility NASCAR drivers have compared to other athletes.
“You’re human. No other professional sport has microphones inside the helmet… I feel bad that it went viral. I didn’t intend for it to go viral.”
Christopher Bell, Driver
“I bet you, NFL wide receivers and NBA players, they probably have very similar discards of emotion… I’m going to call it that.”
Christopher Bell, Driver
Bell’s remarks reflect both vulnerability and self-awareness, while also highlighting the unity within the team. His synergy with Stevens and the crew has been a key factor behind strategies like the flawless late-race tire call at Bristol, which turned into victory. The raw emotion expressed at Gateway ties directly to the championship focus that Stevens advocates, revealing a driver unwilling to settle for anything less than winning.
Bell’s Bristol win, where he held off a last-ditch bump and run attempt from Brad Keselowski to cross the finish line by just 0.343 seconds, reinforced his ability to translate that fire into results when it matters most. This victory also marked Joe Gibbs Racing’s third consecutive playoff win and a continued sweep of the Round of 16.
Looking Ahead: Championship Pursuit in Focus
Christopher Bell and his team have demonstrated the speed and talent required to challenge for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship, but the path remains challenging amidst the intense competition and series of setbacks. Crew chief Adam Stevens’ emphasis on prioritizing the championship above all else guides the team’s approach, even as frustrations and high stakes fuel internal tensions.
As races move toward decisive tracks like Loudon and Phoenix, Bell’s experience, combined with the team’s adaptable strategies, positions them as serious contenders. The long-term focus on the championship means every tactical decision and race result feeds into building momentum toward the ultimate prize, making the second half of the season critical for Bell and the No. 20 team.
