“It’s Tremendous”

The young Joe Gibbs Racing driver, Christopher Bell, secured his spot in the Championship 4 for the second consecutive year. It was a tough day at the office for Bell as his car struggled right from the start through the middle stages of the race. However, Bell and his #20 team displayed their mettle by turning things around in the final stage. As they now set their sights on Phoenix for the season finale, the team is brimming with confidence.

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The race took a dramatic twist when Kyle Larson was forced to retire after a pit lane mishap. Christopher Bell seized the opportunity during a late caution in Stage 3, surging to the front on a restart and clinching his second win of the season. He took the lead from William Byron with 15 laps to go and fended off Byron and Ryan Blaney for the win. Bell’s crew chief recently shared his thoughts on the win and the upcoming championship showdown.

Adam Stevens claims they now have a clear advantage for the season finale at Phoenix

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Bell’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, recently shared his thoughts on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. He shed light on the team’s journey coming from a difficult position to secure the win. He emphasized the significance of their victory and the advantage it now affords them for the championship fight at Phoenix.

Bell’s team can now channel their mental focus towards the season finale at Phoenix. Adam Stevens, elaborated on what their Homestead win meant, saying, “It says a lot. It says that we’re capable for one, we enjoy rising to the occasion, and certainly, Bell does. We work all year to put ourselves in a position to go race for a championship, and a lot of good things have to happen to all the teams that make it to the final 4.”

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Stevens stressed the importance of execution, especially in the era of closely matched cars and tight competition. He added, “It just goes to show you how close the cars are and how tight the competition is. You have to execute good races, you have to have by and large a good day on pit road, and you have to make the right decisions on the racetrack. It shows where it counts that we’re able to do it. We really pride ourselves on being the best when it matters the most.”

Speaking about the advantage they now have for the Championship fight at Phoenix, Stevens described, “It’s tremendous.” He emphasized the relief of not having to worry and stress about every single detail. Unlike drivers and teams in must-win situations, they can focus on their preparations without the burden of mental strain and late-night worries. “We have already mentally moved on to get the ball rolling on Phoenix,” Stevens concluded, underlining their readiness for the championship showdown.

What does another clutch win say about the No. 20 team at JGR?

🗣️ “It says that we’re capable […] and we enjoy rising to the occasion.” – Crew Chief Adam Stevens

More on it being “such a relief” being locked into Phoenix & not having to worry about @MartinsvilleSwy this week. pic.twitter.com/0BvKKoo9eN

— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) October 25, 2023

For Christopher Bell, cherishing surprise victories has become sort of his thing in NASCAR. However, he doesn’t actively seek out such dramatic moments.

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Christopher Bell says he would rather like to have more comfortable wins

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Bell’s triumph at Homestead-Miami Speedway showcased his ability to shine in high-pressure situations. The race, which tested his resolve, saw him secure a Championship 4 berth. Christopher Bell has consistently displayed a knack for clutch victories, earning comparisons to NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick, famously known as “The Closer.” According to motorsport.com, Bell elaborated on his feelings, saying,

“I certainly thrive on pressure, and I love it. I live for those types of moments. That’s why last week hurt so bad because I live for those moments. Whenever you have an opportunity to be great… It didn’t work last week, and that really, really hurt me.”

Bell is a driver who relishes pressure, but he doesn’t actively seek it out. He’d rather secure victories in less stressful conditions. “I don’t want to be put in those positions,” he emphasized. “It’s not like I sit here and try to be put in a pinch. I would rather be the regular-season champion and be able to cruise in on points. In Phoenix, I would rather have a five-second lead and just cruise. I don’t want to have to be put in those positions.”

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As Bell and his team prepare for the season finale at Phoenix, they remain focused on achieving their goal. Bell’s capacity to thrive under pressure, combined with the team’s strategic prowess, places them in an enviable position as they eye the NASCAR Cup Series championship.