AVONDALE, Ariz. – Christopher Bell’s chances of winning his first NASCAR Cup Series championship ended abruptly on Sunday when his No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry crashed on Lap 108 of 312 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.
Bell was running sixth on the race track but last of the Championship 4 contenders when his brake rotor exploded on his right front tire, cutting the tire down and sending Bell screeching into the Turn 3 wall.
Bell was able to limp his way back to pit road, where crew chief Adam Stevens quickly surveyed the damage to be terminal, ending the team’s Championship 4 race.
“Well, I mean that was my first time I’ve ever exploded a rotor in my career,” explained Bell after being released from the infield care center. “So, yeah, I was surprised but early on in the race I had a little bit of brake fade and the second run it just kept getting worse and worse.
“I don’t know. Just obviously a disappointing way to end. I’m super, super proud of this 20 team and all of our partners at DEWALT and Rheem. To be in the Final 4 is something we’re really proud of.”
On Saturday, Bell qualified his No. 20 Rheem | DEWALT Toyota 13th but, throughout the opening stage, had methodically maneuvered through the field and claimed ninth.
Early in Stage 1, Bell informed Stevens that he believed he was suffering brake issues, but with the brake ducts open to their capacity, Stevens said Bell would have to manage the issue from behind the wheel.
Bell adapted the best he could, but 39 laps into Stage 2, his championship hopes were over.
“Yes, I did have brake fade,” added Bell. “In the first run of the race, I did have some pedal fade and I think that was run two – it got worse and worse.”
Though out of contention, Bell praised the Championship 4 class and said whoever won between Ryan Blaney, William Byron, or Kyle Larson would be a well-deserving 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
“I mean, it stings to not have a shot at the end of it obviously,” added Bell. “We were all four really close and we all four showed strengths at different times. I think it’s going to be a great championship race and whoever wins is going to be well deserving.”
Through practice and qualifying on Saturday at the 1.0-mile Phoenix Raceway, Bell said he did not experience a brake issue from behind the wheel that would have warned the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team of a potential issue for the 312-lap race.
“Not from my standpoint in the car. No,” offered Bell.”
The Norman, Oklahoma native will end his fourth full season on the NASCAR Cup Series tour with six poles, two wins, 10 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes. Bell entered the Championship 4 race seeded second but will finish fourth overall.
Last November, Bell was a part of the Championship 4 and finished 10th after starting 17th and claimed third in the championship standings behind two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano and Championship 4 rival Ross Chastain.
Despite finishing last in his second Championship 4 appearance, Bell said he was looking forward to the future as his No. 20 team hasn’t reached its potential.
“I’m very proud of the effort put forth by our team to get to the Championship 4, but I do feel like we left a lot on the table at various races throughout the year,” Bell explained. “I’m excited about the future. We haven’t reached our potential yet.”
Follow Chris Knight on X (Twitter) at @Knighter01 or email: [email protected]
