PHOENIX, AZ – Christopher Bell continued his dominant run in the NASCAR Cup Series, capturing his third consecutive win at Phoenix Raceway during The Shriners Children’s 500 on Sunday. Bell, driving the No. 20 car for Reser’s Fine Foods, is the first driver in the Next Gen car era to secure three straight victories, matching a feat last accomplished by Kyle Larson in 2021. This marks Bell’s first career win at Phoenix and the seventh of his racing career.
The race was cut short after the top of the seventh inning due to the 10-run rule, but Bell’s performance left no question about his mastery on the track. The win extends his remarkable streak to 12 consecutive victories, further solidifying his place as a serious championship contender.
Phoenix Raceway, famous for its frequent caution flags, provided a thrilling backdrop for Bell’s victory. One of the most notable moments came on lap 150 when Katherine Legge, making her NASCAR Cup Series debut, was involved in an early wreck. The incident triggered a caution flag and ended her race early, but it also added an element of unpredictability to the event.
As the race unfolded, multiple drivers struggled with handling issues, leading to several more caution periods that kept fans and teams on edge, as pit strategies and race positions were constantly shifting.
This season, Toyota has introduced some significant changes, including a new body style and a fresh short-track competition package. The improvements showed promise at Phoenix, as the Toyota teams were able to challenge the dominance of Chevrolet, which had claimed the last three races.
William Byron claimed the first stage win after a series of intense battles at the front of the pack. Bell, however, took control of the second stage, showcasing his ability to manage tire wear and adjust to the changing track conditions. His consistent performance set the stage for a strong finish, eventually securing him the victory.
“I’m really proud of this one,” Bell said after the race. “Last year, I had a tough finish here when I was eliminated from the Championship 4 after my brake rotor exploded. To come back and win here feels amazing. This team has been working so hard, and it’s paying off.”
Team owner Joe Gibbs was full of admiration for Bell’s performance, but also admitted to being somewhat baffled by how his driver has mastered the Next Gen car. Despite the challenges of the season, Bell kept pushing and managed to edge out Denny Hamlin by just 0.049 seconds in a nail-biting finish, marking the closest race in Phoenix Raceway’s history.
“Credit to my crew chief, Adam Stevens,” Bell said. “He’s a key part of our success, and we’ve been working hard every week. Adam knows how to guide me through these kinds of races, and his experience in getting us to three consecutive wins is invaluable.”
Bell’s success is not only a testament to his driving skill but also to the strong chemistry between him and Stevens. The duo had previously achieved three consecutive victories together back in 2015 with Kyle Busch, and Stevens has continued to apply his winning strategy to Bell’s impressive performance.
As the season progresses, Bell and Hamlin both show remarkable consistency, with Hamlin rebounding from a disappointing 21st-place finish at COTA to secure an impressive second place at Phoenix. Their performances suggest a potential shift in the balance of power at the top of the standings as the NASCAR Cup Series heads into the more challenging tracks ahead.
The spotlight was also on Katherine Legge, the 44-year-old British driver making history as the first female to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick in 2018. Legge, known for her extensive motorsports experience from dirt bikes to IndyCar, took on the challenge just 10 days before the race.
After discussing her aspirations with NASCAR in Atlanta two weeks prior, she received the opportunity to race with support from multiple teams, including Richard Childress Racing, Chevrolet, and Kaulig Racing.
“I’ve been so well-supported and prepared as much as possible for this, even though it’s my first time driving a Next Gen car on an oval,” Legge said. “It’s been a huge learning curve, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
However, Legge’s debut was far from smooth. Despite significant preparation, she struggled with car handling during the race. After a spin on lap 4, she faced difficulties recovering lost ground and, unfortunately, spun out again, ending her race prematurely and finishing in 30th place. Despite the challenges, Legge remains optimistic about her future in NASCAR.
“My goal is to finish all the laps and minimize mistakes,” Legge explained. “I want to show respect for the series and prove that I belong here. Hopefully, this is just the beginning.”
Looking ahead, the NASCAR Cup Series will head to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, March 16, 2025, where the competition will continue to heat up, with both Bell and Hamlin aiming to extend their dominance in the standings.
