Christopher Bell’s NASCAR comeback took a significant turn when he finally secured a win at the Bristol Night Race on Saturday, breaking a lengthy dry spell during his 2025 season. This hard-fought victory at Bristol Motor Speedway marked a turning point for Bell, who had been struggling despite a strong start earlier in the year.
Kevin Harvick Explains the Mental Challenges Bell Faced Before His Bristol Win
Bell’s triumph at Bristol was more than just another win; it reinforced his status as a serious contender for the championship. After a flawless streak that included victories at Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix, Bell endured a months-long stretch without winning. Still, his consistency stood out, as he shared the season’s highest total of 16 top-10 finishes alongside Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson.
Kevin Harvick highlighted the psychological difficulties Bell encountered during this period, noting the added pressure of watching his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates succeed. Denny Hamlin, for example, had already notched five wins this year and was pushing hard for his first championship. Meanwhile, Chase Briscoe remained a playoff threat with wins at Pocono and Darlington.
With Joe Gibbs Racing drivers dominating the opening playoff races, Bell faced constant comparisons, making his challenge at the half-mile Bristol track even more daunting. Harvick suggested this situation tested Bell’s resilience, as he had to cope with the frustration of seeing others achieve what he was striving for.
One thing that I would say about Christopher Bell is the fact that he sees his teammates running well,
Harvick explained on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast.
And he referenced his teammates running well, knowing that the cars are capable to lead every lap and run up in the front and win races, and he’s not the guy that is doing it, right?
the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series champion continued.
Harvick further emphasized how difficult this can be for a driver in Bell’s position, who started the season winning consistently but then struggled to maintain that pace despite having competitive equipment.
When you know that you have the cars that are capable to win, and you’re consistently not putting the days together, instead of consistently winning, and you started the year consistently winning, you know that you should be, and that makes it even harder to swallow,
the 49-year-old added.
Bell’s Progress and What This Victory Means for His Championship Aspirations
This season, Bell has achieved a career-high four victories. He reached the Championship 4 in both 2022 and 2023, narrowly missing the cut last year due to a disqualification at Martinsville after riding the wall during a crucial race. The Bristol win serves as a significant morale boost for Bell, who hails from Norman, Oklahoma.
Although New Hampshire Motor Speedway presents its own unique set of challenges, this Bristol victory is crucial as Bell looks to regain confidence and momentum. With his team and equipment proven capable, his focus now shifts firmly toward making a strong playoff push and aiming for the championship title.
