Christopher Bell enters New Hampshire Motor Speedway with strong confidence fueled by his exceptional track record, setting high expectations for his performance in the current NASCAR playoffs. As a Joe Gibbs Racing driver ranked fourth in the playoff standings, Bell’s proven dominance at The Magic Mile underscores why he remains a top contender.
Dominant History at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Bell’s achievements at New Hampshire Motor Speedway stand out in NASCAR history. Over 11 career starts across all national series at this track, he has secured seven victories and finished in the top two nine times. This level of superiority leaves many competitors in awe. Specifically, in the NASCAR Cup Series, Bell has won two of the last three New Hampshire races, taking the checkered flag in both 2022 and 2024, with only Martin Truex Jr. interrupting his winning run in 2023. Remarkably, Bell has finished outside the top two just twice among his 11 appearances, maintaining an impressive average finish of 12.2 at this venue.
Early Preparation and Career Foundations
Bell’s success is rooted in years of preparation beginning in his youth. Reflecting on his early days, Bell said,
“I ran a late model race there whenever I was a kid, just getting started in stock car racing,”
on the Stacking Pennies podcast. He added,
“Kyle Busch Motorsports took me up there, said it was an important racetrack with obviously the National Series going there.”
This foundation included participating in a late model race, extensive late model practice sessions, and completing a two-day rookie truck test before his first national series start at New Hampshire. Such deliberate preparation gave Bell an edge, allowing him to master the track while others were still acclimating.
Reflecting on Playoff Experiences and Evolving Mindset
Bell’s attitude toward the playoffs has noticeably shifted over recent years, marked by reflection and realism. He described his journey candidly:
“2025 feels much different than the years past,”
he said.
“In ’22, I felt like an underdog and we overperformed… ’23, I felt like a favorite but got treated like an underdog… In ’24, I felt like the favorite and arguably was one of the favorites, and it didn’t work out.”
This self-awareness highlights the mental challenges Bell faces amid his pursuit of the championship.
Current Season Performance and Playoff Outlook
This season affirms Bell’s renewed confidence. Leading NASCAR’s average finish rankings for 2025 with a 12.48 mark, he already boasts four wins, three of which came early in the year. The upcoming Round of 12 fits Bell’s strengths well, as he also maintains a strong 12.4 average finish at Kansas Speedway and has a past victory on Charlotte’s Roval track. Bell expressed controlled optimism about his chances, stating,
“I think it’s all in our hands. Certainly, there are three racetracks that we run really well at. I haven’t won at Kansas, but I’ve won at the other two.”
Championship Hopes Backed by Team and Track Success
With Joe Gibbs Racing sweeping all three Round of 16 victories and Bell’s secure playoff standing, his path to the championship seems promising. His mastery of key tracks, combined with a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, positions him as a formidable contender.
