'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Christopher Bell weathered the rain-affected USA Today 301 NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway to clinch his third victory of the season and thus managed to sweep both races over the weekend.
Chase Elliott started on pole position last Sunday, June 23, with Christopher Bell taking the lead midway through the first stage and winning the stage. Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin went on to win the second stage ahead of his teammate Martin Truex Jr.
With the threat of rain looming in the final stage, drivers were battling for the lead when NASCAR red-flagged the race, with Tyler Reddick being the leader. After a two-hour delay, the race was restarted on wet weather tires, leading to an eventful end, with Christopher Bell taking the checkered flag once again.
Trending
Numerous narratives emerged throughout the race, with certain drivers feeling content with their outcomes and others not harboring regrets. Now let us examine the winners and losers from NASCAR's trip to New Hampshire.
Winners and Losers from NASCAR Cup race at NHMS
Winner: Chase Briscoe
From fighting for a lead lap position in the first stage to finishing second, Chase Briscoe made a sensational comeback in the race. The #14 Stewart Haas Racing driver scored crucial points, reducing his points deficit to the playoff cutline to 25 points.
Loser: Kyle Busch
Last weekend marked yet another disappointing race for Kyle Busch, who recorded his third 35th place finish in the last four races. Struggling in the back of the pack, he was involved in three separate incidents and ultimately retired from the race. The two-time NASCAR champion's points deficit to the cutoff line increased to 45.
Winner: Josh Berry
The #4 Stewart Haas Racing driver displayed his short track prowess last weekend, securing fifth and eighth place finish in the two stages and being third to take the checkered flag. Last weekend's result bolsters his resume as he continues to search for a ride in 2025.
Loser: Bubba Wallace
The 23XI Racing driver dropped out of the playoff picture following a DNF result at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He was not to blame for the result, as he got collected in a wreck triggered by Noah Gragson. He currently sits 13 points below the cutline.
Winner: Christopher Bell
After winning the NASCAR Xfinity race, Bell took home the Loudon Lobster on Sunday with a dominant showing, leading a race high 149 laps. With three wins, he has cemented himself as a championship favorite, a particular threat considering his pace at flat short track ovals, similar to championship weekend host Phoenix Raceway.
Loser: Justin Haley
The #51 Rick Ware Racing driver was one incident away from putting himself in the winners category. Battling for a potential top-5 finish, Justin Haley collected damage in the incident involving Michael McDowell and Ryan Blaney. The damage was significant as he dropped down the order to finish P29. Nonetheless, he continues to impress with his speed in RWR equipment.
