“I couldn’t believe it”: Christopher Bell reveals being caught off guard with NextGen’s fuel stretch at Las Vegas

NASCAR driver Christopher Bell recently commented on the Next-Gen car's capabilities to stretch fuel and run on fumes after the race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bell started the South Point 400 from pole and after an action-packed race, he crossed the finish line in P2.

Christopher Bell, the pilot of the #20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has established a strong NASCAR career over six years. He has secured 35 race wins across NASCAR's divisions, including nine in the Cup Series. His most recent victory came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Bell also claimed two titles in 2017, first the Truck Series championship, and was also crowned the regular-season champion, showcasing his versatility and talent in motorsport.

Bell led nearly 160 laps in the South Point 400 at Las Vegas. However, a bold call from Team Penske's #22 team led to Logano's victory. Following the end of the race, the #20 driver spoke with the media and said (via X, formerly Twitter)

"I couldn't believe it. You know, everybody went green. Adam told me that we're four or five(laps) short and nobody topped off. So I didn't think that there was a chance anyone could make it at that point whenever no one topped off, and then he keyed up and said 'a couple of them are trying to stretch it'. And I'm like, 'Well, surely they're going to run out, right?' And they did not run out," (via Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass)

On being asked whether he was quicker than the #22 of Logano, Christopher Bell said:

"I think everyone here can answer that. But you know, regardless of how much time he had, the #12 car was with Joey, you know, trying to play defense for him. So it was going to take the right move to get by him. We had, was it 30 almost 40 lap newer tires than him and clearly a lot more pace than what he had at that time. So yes, I didn't get there in 267 laps."

As things currently stand, Joey Logano has secured his berth in the championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell, followed by HMS drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron, are above the Championship 4 cut-off line.

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“The 22 winning was probably bad for 12”: Christopher Bell comments on Penske’s possible dilemma amid contrasting Las Vegas outcome

Ryan Blaney had a big hand in making sure his Penske teammate Joey Logano secured a win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This marked Logano's second victory in the 2024 playoffs, as the #22 driver secured a win in the opening race at Atlanta.

Christopher Bell believes that while Blaney was playing defense for his teammate, the decision may not be perfectly ideal as both Penske drivers are fighting for the same title, adding a complex layer to the situation. Bell said (via Bob Pockras)

"I think it's fair game. And, you know, props to him. I think the #22 winning was probably bad for the #12 because they're racing each other for points to get in. Penske, they won the race and they got one car in. So they did it right."

Meanwhile, Blaney secured a P32 finish after an eventful race at Las Vegas and is 47 points behind the championship 4 cut-off line.