Christopher Bell has flexed his racing talent so well the last two seasons that he has quickly become a NASCAR playoff threat year in and year out.
2023 saw a similar result for the driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, as he once again advanced to the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway.
Joe Gibbs Racing as a whole didn't have the 2023 playoffs it was hoping for, as each of its drivers dealt with something breaking or other car issues during the grueling 10 races. That's what ultimately cost Bell a shot at the championship.
Bell spoke with NASCAR.com about how disappointing the end to 2023 was and how he can see that all championship-caliber drivers have had some issues plague them while competing for the title.
"I mean, it was certainly disappointing, but it is what it is," Bell said. "Denny Hamlin had a steering failure at Homestead that probably took him out of it, Martin Truex (Jr.) had an engine failure at Homestead that probably took him out of it, and that's just in my group. I'm sure that everyone has those problems that have hindered them, and unfortunately, mine came in the championship race. But it just wasn't meant to be, and I'm OK with that. Hopefully, my time will come."
Despite the problems he experienced in the championship race, it's clear that Bell has become a top contender for Joe Gibbs — on the level of Hamlin, who is also still seeking that elusive championship.
Bell has become very consistent, and his ability to qualify at the front has only helped his cause.
As for 2024, Bell is eyeing redemption. The fact that he has made it to the Championship 4 the last two seasons shows he can do it again, and he has the confidence to do so.
"I definitely feel like there is unfinished business and you know what, regardless of if we won the championship or not, I would have felt that way, just because we left so many races on the table that could have had top five, top threes, possibly wins," Bell said. "And so I left Phoenix feeling very calm, and I was looking forward to what's ahead of us. So I feel good. I feel really good, and I love my team, and I think that we have not reached our ceiling yet, so that gives me confidence."
Redemption is a good story, and 2024 could be Bell's year.
