“LA wasn’t kind to me”: Joe Gibbs Racing star makes an unfiltered admission about NASCAR’s big ‘change’

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell recently shared his thoughts on the exciting return of Bowman Gray Stadium to the Cup Series schedule. Located in Winston-Salem, the short oval track will host the pre-season clash in the 2025 NASCAR campaign.

The Norman, Oklahoma native failed to appear in the Busch Light Clash after finishing P33. Speaking to Sportsnaut’s Matt Weaver, the 30-year-old reflected on his struggles at the Los Angeles Coliseum, which hosted the Clash for three years. As the event moves to Bowman Gray, the Oklahoma native shared his perspective on racing at the historic short track.

“I have no idea. I’m grateful for a change because LA wasn’t kind to me but I’m looking forward to something different. It’s going to be tight but LA was tight too.” said the Joe Gibbs Racing driver

Christopher Bell, driving the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, has built an impressive NASCAR career over six years, securing 35 wins across divisions, including nine in the Cup Series. His most recent win came in the Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway. Moreover, Bell also secured a clean sweep in the 2017 Truck Series campaign, claiming the Championship and the regular-season title.

Meanwhile, Bell faced heartbreak in the final stages of the 2024 Cup Series, missing the Championship 4 after a controversial ending at the Xfinity 500. Starting P16, Bell battled into contention but fell back due to a pit road issue. Reportedly, the JGR driver attempted a desperate last-lap wall ride, inspired by Ross Chastain’s 2022 move. However, it resulted in a NASCAR penalty, ending his shot at the coveted Cup Series title.

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“I hate calling the last lap a move”: Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell clear about his ‘intentions’ at Martinsville

The Xfinity 500 stirred controversy as Trackhouse Racing Team and Richard Childress Racing allegedly coordinated to help HMS driver William Byron secure a Championship 4 spot. Following his playoff exit, Christopher Bell stated that he was crystal clear with his intentions at Martinsville. Moreover, he also weighed in on the reported strategy, adding to the ongoing debate.

In a media session ahead of the Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, the former Truck Series champion said (via Frontstretch):

"I hate calling the last lap a move because it was not a move you know. My intentions were never to ride the wall, I didn't gain an advantage riding the wall, so it was it was not a move and I don't believe that I broke the rule."

"I feel cheated out of a chance to compete for a championship. It all stems from what happened earlier, 15-20(laps) to go, whenever the race got fixed and manipulated by Chevrolet. That forced our hands to do what we did and ultimately it forced me into a mistake on the last lap to get into the wall uh and I feel like I should never have been in that position," the Joe Gibbs Racing driver added.

Neither of the two Joe Gibbs Racing drivers in the Round of 8 of the playoffs made it to the championship race. Notably, Team Penske's #22 driver Joey Logano secured his third Cup Series title after emerging victorious in the 2024 campaign, marking Team Penske's third consecutive Cup Series triumph.