HAMPTON, Ga. (AP) — Christopher Bell believes he could be headed toward a big year with Joe Gibbs Racing following what he hopes will be a breakthrough win.
Bell clinched a playoff berth by winning the NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in overtime on Sunday.
Bell said he would be disappointed if he doesn’t have more wins before the playoffs. Bell has big hopes for his No. 20 team following his unlikely win after qualifying only 32nd, beginning with next week’s race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. He just didn’t expect his team’s breakout win to come in Atlanta.
“COTA is a good place to start,” Bell said. “Honestly we’re just getting into the bread and butter of what the 20 car likes. COTA should be a strong track. Phoenix, Vegas, Darlington, Homestead. All of these tracks coming up in the early part of the season is where we think we can compete for wins and do good, score a lot of points.”
Bell had less optimism about his team’s chances in Atlanta’s drafting style, speedway race. Winning in Atlanta has only boosted his outlook for a big season.