NASCAR
Christopher Bell Takes First Career All-Star Race Victory
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. – One of NASCAR’s most prolific drivers in recent memory can now call himself an All-Star. Christopher Bell was victorious in the $1 million race from North Wilkesboro Speedway, getting the upper hand late on defending winner Joey Logano. That victory 12 months ago began a Herculean run that ended with Logano hoisting the Bill France Cup. Is the same path in the cards for Bell? Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota number 20 appears poised for another banner season.
From pole, Brad Keselowski looked stout in the early laps. Following a restart that saw a three-wide moment up front though, 2024 North Wilkesboro victor Joey Logano took command and held serve through the lap 100 caution.
On pit road under the race break yellow, a lightning-fast pit stop gave Christopher Bell the top spot over Logano. The No. 20 Toyota fought valiantly but lost the lead to the 22 on lap 122.
Logano’s lead continued to slowly balloon, until the promoter’s caution waved on lap 217. By virtue of only himself and Ryan Blaney both staying out, the Penske cars were sitting ducks up front. Paint trading between both leaders eventually gave Bell the top spot. The 20 methodically drove off to the million dollar win.
“North Wilkesboro, how about that one,” Bell said. “That right there is absolutely incredible. North Wilkesboro, best short track on the schedule. Let’s go.”
“Man, [my team is] the best. There’s nothing else to say. This sport can be so humbling because behind the car, behind the wheel, you’re just a small part of success.”
“These boys right here, Adam Stevens on the pit box, all the mechanics, all the engineers that put this thing together, they’re the big picture. I’m the guy that gets to sit up here and talk to you and take pictures, but without them, I’m nobody. I owe it all to these guys.”
Logano was a distant eight tenths behind Bell, just ahead of a hard charging Ross Chastain. The Trackhouse Racing driver rebounded nicely from a mid-race spin. Hendrick teammates Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott also in the top-five likewise helped Chevrolet earn the Manufacturer’s Showdown award. Hear from a few of these drivers below.
Now with All-Star week in the rearview mirror, NASCAR’s grind continues with one of the toughest races. Sunday marks the Coca-Cola 600 marathon from Charlotte Motor Speedway, stock car racing’s longest night.
Christopher Bell is this crown jewel’s defending winner, going for a repeat under full distance this time around. Bell will likely have to battle Kyle Larson though, who should be fresh off an Indianapolis 500 run.
The 66th running of the Memorial Day classic goes green at 6 p.m. ET on Prime Video, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Written by Peter Stratta
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