Christopher Bell’s quest to make NASCAR history in Las Vegas was abruptly halted, as an unexpected mechanical hiccup and subsequent controversy marred his race. Bell had set out to join the elite club of drivers who’ve won four consecutive Cup Series races—a feat last achieved by Jimmie Johnson in 2007. However, his ambitions were shattered as a pre-race throttle body change consigned him to the back of the field.
Adding to his woes, Bell found himself at the center of a controversy following a critical pit stop error on Lap 108. A loose wheel on his car, unnoticed until his exit from the pit, prompted quick thinking from crew chief Adam Stevens. To avoid risking a wheel detachment on the track—a scenario carrying severe penalties—Stevens instructed Bell to stop at teammate Chase Briscoe’s pit stall for assistance. This decision, while averting potential disaster, led to a penalty for Bell, sidelining him yet again to the back of the field.
The incident stirred up a storm within the NASCAR community, not least because NASCAR officials saw this as a clear violation of rules. NASCAR’s Managing Director of Racing Communications, Mike Forde, later provided an explanation on the Hauler Talk podcast. He emphasized the gravity of a tire coming loose on the track and applauded team #20 for prioritizing safety above all else.
Forde’s comments underscored NASCAR’s perspective—Bell’s decision was seen as safety-first rather than rule-bending. Had Bell continued with a loose wheel and it detached, he would have faced harsher penalties. This is a point made all too clear as Chase Briscoe is currently grappling with such a scenario, his tire having come loose during the same race.
Adam Stevens disclosed that his team had previously discussed such a situation, indicating an awareness of the rules and a readiness to act swiftly. Bell’s choice to pull into Briscoe’s pit was indeed unconventional but potentially life-saving. This action elicited praise from many in the NASCAR community, including Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who hailed it as a “genius decision.” William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports also lauded Bell’s quick thinking.
However, Bell’s misstep was just a part of a race plagued by pit road infractions. Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe, among others, also faced penalties for violations. Busch was penalized for speeding, and a lost wheel forced him into the garage. Briscoe’s race was ruined when his wheel detached during a green flag pit stop.
Despite the chaos, Bell managed to finish 12th, but the dream of four straight wins was left unfulfilled. His disappointment was shared by his wife, Morgan Bell. The couple, married in 2020, have been together since 2010, with Morgan always being Bell’s staunchest supporter. Following the race, she took to Instagram to express her feelings about her husband’s challenging day.
Christopher Bell’s Las Vegas race may have been a missed opportunity, but his performance in 2025 has been stellar. His dreams of making history are not dashed. If he continues to perform at this level, Jimmie Johnson’s record might still be within his grasp. Until then, he’ll have to shake off the disappointment of Las Vegas and focus on the races lying ahead.