Christopher Bell is riding one of the hottest streaks in NASCAR, aiming for his fourth consecutive victory. Yet, despite his dominance in recent weeks, he doesn’t sit atop the championship standings. Does that bother him?
If you ask Bell, the answer is likely “not really.” While points matter in the long run, NASCAR’s playoff system rewards winning above all else. Bell’s recent surge has already solidified his postseason position, meaning his focus can shift from accumulating points to building momentum for the championship run.
Why Isn’t Bell Leading the Standings?
Bell’s current position in the points battle isn’t due to a lack of performance but rather the nature of the NASCAR Cup Series format. Consistency across the entire season plays a crucial role in the regular-season championship race, and earlier struggles or missed opportunities could be keeping him from the top spot.
Drivers like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney have been racking up stage points and finishing strong even when they aren’t winning. Meanwhile, Bell’s recent surge has come after a slower start, which means he’s still playing catch-up in the standings.
What’s More Important: Wins or Points?
In the modern NASCAR landscape, winning is king. Bell’s victories mean he’s securing playoff points, which will carry over into the postseason. While leading the regular-season standings offers a 15-point bonus entering the playoffs, it’s not nearly as impactful as multiple race wins that provide five bonus points each.
Bell has already proven that he can capitalize when it matters most, and his focus is likely on continuing his hot streak rather than worrying about the points lead. If he keeps winning, the standings will take care of themselves.
Does It Bother Him?
If Bell’s recent interviews are any indication, he’s not losing sleep over it. His primary concern is maintaining the momentum that has made him the driver to beat in recent weeks. Winning breeds confidence, and for a driver already locked into the playoffs, that’s far more valuable than sitting atop the points standings in March.
At the end of the day, Bell is doing what every driver hopes to do: peaking at the right time. If he keeps this up, the points lead—or even more importantly, a championship—could be well within reach.
