Christopher Bell Makes Startling Kansas Admission: "We Were Going Backwards"
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell has revealed the struggles he faced during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday.
Despite crossing the line in second place behind Kyle Larson, Bell explained that he was "just trying to get to the end" as he battles with tire wear. He commented after the race:
"I was surprised that [Larson] kind of gave up on the top those last couple laps and pulled down. But I was struggling just as bad as he was, so I was just trying to get to the end. I know Ryan was coming on really strong there.
"Overall, to get home second with a lot of stage points was something that we needed after the last couple weeks, and this Reser's Camry was just not quite what we needed.
Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Reser's Fine Foods Toyota, looks on in his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas.
Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Reser's Fine Foods Toyota, looks on in his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway on May 10, 2025 in Kansas City, Kansas."I feel like our day was kind of a product of qualifying well, having good pit stops, having good restarts and nothing really took us out of it. Whenever the long green flag runs came, it seemed like we were going backwards and there were a couple guys that could drive by us.
"To walk out of here second, I'm really happy with, and hopefully we can be a little bit stronger when we come back."
Larson also had the same struggles. He stated after the race, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
"I was trying really hard to pace myself because I believe that was our longest run of the day.
"I've been struggling a little bit at the end of the runs. Chase [Elliott] was really good so I felt like I just needed to try and be better on my end. I don't know if it was paying off at the end. I was still struggling.
"I don't know if the right front was starting to wear a lot or what but I was starting to lose a lot of grip and then I was vibrating really bad. I was afraid a right rear or something would let go. But yeah, great car and great execution today from our team."
Bell is currently third in the Cup Series drivers' standings with 384 points. Kyle Larson tops the leaderboard with 469 points and William Byron follows in second with 434 points.
NASCAR Cup Series at Kansas Speedway full results
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