Breaking News: Christopher Bell’s Historic Victory at the 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway

Breaking News: Christopher Bell’s Historic Victory at the 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway

, March 10, 2025

In a display of exceptional skill and determination, Christopher Bell clinched his third consecutive victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season at the Shriners Children’s 500 held on March 9, 2025, at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona. This remarkable achievement not only underscores Bell’s dominance early in the season but also etches his name into the annals of NASCAR history as the first driver to secure three consecutive wins with the Next Gen car. 

Race Overview: A Thrilling Contest

The Shriners Children’s 500, contested over 312 laps on Phoenix Raceway’s 1-mile oval, featured intense competition from start to finish. Christopher Bell, piloting the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, started the race with a strong presence, leading multiple laps and showcasing his team’s strategic prowess. Teammate Denny Hamlin, driving the No. 11 Toyota, provided relentless competition, especially during late-race restarts, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. 

The race featured multiple lead changes, with drivers like Kyle Larson and Josh Berry also making significant impacts. However, it was Bell’s consistent performance and ability to navigate the complexities of Phoenix Raceway that ultimately led him to victory. 

Top Finishers: A Testament to Skill and Strategy

The race concluded with the following top-five finishers:

1. Christopher Bell (No. 20 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing): Bell’s victory marked his 12th career win in the NASCAR Cup Series and reinforced his status as a leading contender for the championship. 

2. Denny Hamlin (No. 11 Toyota, Joe Gibbs Racing): Hamlin’s second-place finish highlighted his resilience and competitiveness, particularly in challenging Bell for the lead in the final laps.

3. Kyle Larson (No. 5 Chevrolet, Hendrick Motorsports): Larson’s consistent performance throughout the race earned him a well-deserved third-place finish.

4. Josh Berry (No. 21 Ford, Wood Brothers Racing): Berry’s fourth-place result demonstrated the team’s growing competitiveness and strategic acumen.

5. Chris Buescher (No. 17 Ford, Roush Fenway Racing): Buescher’s fifth-place finish added valuable points to his season tally.

Historical Significance: Bell’s Unprecedented Streak

Christopher Bell’s achievement of three consecutive wins is a landmark moment in NASCAR’s Next Gen car era. This streak not only elevates Bell’s profile but also sets a new benchmark for excellence in the sport. The last driver to accomplish a three-race win streak was Kyle Larson in 2021, but Bell’s feat with the Next Gen car adds a unique distinction to his record. 

Race Highlights: Moments of Triumph and Challenge

• Lap 99 Incident: A significant incident on lap 99 involved multiple drivers, including Brad Keselowski, Carson Hocevar, Riley Herbst, Justin Haley, Chase Briscoe, Austin Dillon, Cole Custer, and Shane van Gisbergen. This multi-car pile-up led to several drivers retiring from the race and reshuffled the field, adding to the race’s unpredictability. 

• Late-Race Battles: In the final laps, Bell and Hamlin engaged in a fierce battle for the lead, exchanging positions multiple times. Bell’s strategic moves and calm under pressure were pivotal in securing his victory. 

Driver and Team Reactions: Insights from the Paddock

• Christopher Bell: Expressed immense gratitude to his team and sponsors, acknowledging the hard work that went into achieving the three-peat. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency as the season progresses.

• Denny Hamlin: Praised Bell’s performance while expressing a competitive desire to break the winning streak. Hamlin highlighted the team’s strengths and looked forward to upcoming races.

• Kyle Larson: Discussed the challenges of racing at Phoenix and credited his team’s setup as a factor in his strong finish. Larson remains optimistic about the season’s trajectory.

Points Standings: Early Season Dynamics

Following the Shriners Children’s 500, the NASCAR Cup Series standings are as follows:

1. William Byron: 165 points

2. Christopher Bell: 152 points (-13)

3. Tyler Reddick: 143 points (-22)

4. Ryan Blaney: 136 points (-29)

5. Chase Elliott: 124 points (-41)

6. Alex Bowman: 117 points (-48)

7. Denny Hamlin: 110 points (-55)

8. Kyle Busch: 110 points (-55)

9. Joey Logano: 110 points (-55)

10. Chris Buescher: 109 points (-56)

Note: Only the top ten positions are listed. 

Manufacturer Standings: Competitive Landscape

The manufacturer’s championship standings after Phoenix Raceway are:

1. Toyota: 155 points

2. Chevrolet: 144 points (-11)

3. Ford: 126 points (-29)

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