By Matt Courson, Editor
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Christopher Bell’s title hopes exploded before halfway point Sunday NASCAR Championship at Phoenix Speedway.
On Lap 108, Bell’s No. 20 Camry blew a brake rotor before Turn 3. Bell’s car hit the wall and suffered heavy damage that would be too extensive to repair.
Bell knew he was losing the brakes, so it was only a matter of time before they went out.
“The pedal started getting longer and longer. We’ve had very strong brakes all year and we haven’t had any problems, so it’s quite surprising to have brake problems at a track where they are significant, but not as significant as some of the others.
Bell said he wasn’t upset, but rather disappointed.
“Everyone is doing their best, and that’s only part of the problem. I’m disappointed. It’s heartbreaking right now. I’m probably still a little shocked, and I haven’t figured it out yet. You can only change what is in front of you.
Bell is excited to be able to build on and learn from these mistakes.
“It’s been a good (year) and I’m proud of the efforts made, especially in the Playoffs to reach the Final Four. But we left a lot on the table throughout the regular season and I still don’t think we’ve fulfilled our potential in 2023. So I’m excited about the future and trying to build on that and become better. »
Bell is only the second driver to fail to finish a Championship 4 race since the current playoff format began in 2014, and is the first Championship 4 driver to record a last-place finish in the finale. Carl Edwards also crashed during a late race restart during the 2016 Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, finishing 34th.
This year marks Bell’s second consecutive Championship 4 appearance. Last year, a 10th place finish in Phoenix earned him a third place finish in the season standings.
