NASCAR
Christopher Bell Returns to Victory Lane with Southern 500 Triumph
DARLINGTON, S.C. – Seven times a bridesmaid this season, Christopher Bell was finally the Bell(e) of the ball in Darlington. The Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 had the right tire call late to get by Kyle Larson and drive off to a maiden Southern 500 win. Now within eyesight of the points lead, Bell could go on a tear over the next nine weeks.
The spring Darlington winner Tyler Reddick remained lights-out fast from the pole, winning Stage 1. Reddick’s electric pace would only falter later on. The No. 45 team saw a rare mistake leaving a wheel loose on a lap 189 pit stop, but luckily caught the error before Reddick exited pit road. This exchange saw fellow Toyota Christopher Bell eventually win Stage 2.
Issues on pit road for @TylerReddick!
The No. 45 Toyota will lose multiple spots. pic.twitter.com/kgXZ4GGi4l
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 6, 2026
A blistering pit stop by the Hendrick No. 5 team gave Kyle Larson the lead for Stage 3. The reigning Cup champion would hold this advantage until his teammate William Byron spun. This ensuing caution saw Christopher Bell’s team get him out first, only for Larson to stay out and inherit the lead for a 24-lap sprint to the finish. Larson’s five-lap older tires were finally overpowered by Bell with 12 laps left. The No. 20 drove off into the Darlington night to clinch the crown jewel trophy and Chase-opening triumph.
A power move by @CBellRacing!
He takes the lead in the #Southern500. pic.twitter.com/WTgMOGMivC
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 7, 2026
“It’s been too damn long,” Bell said about going nearly a year between wins. “Oh my gosh, man. I’m just so, so proud of all of these guys on this No. 20 car, all the mechanics, all the pit crew members. They deserve it more than anyone.
“Oh my gosh, man, this has been a long time coming. Darlington has been one that I’ve always wanted to win since I got into the sport. This is the ultimate driver’s track. You fans, you guys are the best. That’s why we’re here.”
Behind Bell at the finish were Toyota teammates Ty Gibbs and Tyler Reddick, followed by Ryan Blaney and Kyle Larson. Hear from all of these drivers and a few other Chase racers’ post-Southern 500 thoughts below.
.@TyGibbs after his runner-up performance from Darlington, he also says he’s stoked to finally see teammate @CBellRacing find victory lane this year. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/fiAC6Yy7Ha
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
.@TylerReddick says he’s happy to rebound to 3rd after falling back to the tail end of the top-10 with less than 100 laps left. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/olfXtKmcBS
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
.@Blaney talks about his major recovery drive tonight after starting 24th to finishing 4th at Darlington, now being third in points only 16 off of Hamlin. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/NVEw4450fF
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
.@KyleLarsonRacin stayed out on 5-lap old tires late and says he was surprised they held on as long as they did, but he wanted to see more guys stay out behind him. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/lcRbVL6LFV
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
.@chasebriscoe says he’s still kicking himself over the last restart
Not a third-straight Southern 500 win, the 19 came home in 6th tonight. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/hu0kPJtR8o
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
.@CarsonHocevar finished 11th and says he hope his metric for next week is helped out by this run.
When asked about the Keselowski contact, Hocevar just said “he spun”#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/YcitTnWNbl
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
Here’s what @dennyhamlin had to say after a tough #Southern500. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/OXXasN3FLT
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) September 7, 2026
.@Daniel_SuarezG says they missed the setup and some execution tonight, the Spire 7 leaves Darlington in 21st. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/9OSEdjP59C
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) September 7, 2026
The Chase rolls on into week two from World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. The Enjoy Illinois 300 goes green Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Points leader Denny Hamlin is the defending winner of this race, and looks to bounce back from an unlucky Darlington. Toyotas will be heavily favored again at Gateway, but Penske Fords could also shine on the fast and flat oval.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credit to Meg Oliphant/Getty Images
