The NASCAR playoffs are intensifying and Christopher Bell is looking to apply pressure to championship leader Kyle Larson.
He started the weekend off in the best fashion possible by taking a crucial pole position around the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The American driver has a 20-point gap to close to Larson in the final four NASCAR playoff races of the season as he chases his maiden title triumph.
He’s not quite had the luck to make the top step of the rostrum in Nevada over the last few seasons, so he’s hoping that 2024 will be the year for him.
Christopher Bell ‘optimistic’ about chances at ‘great track’
It’s a performance that couldn’t have come at a better time for Bell, who needs to start making inroads on the championship lead before it gets too late.
He also only has three events to ensure that he is one of the final four drivers left competing for the championship at the final race of the season.
The 29-year-old also appears to be the most comfortable driver on the entire grid currently, giving him some momentum heading into the rest of the season.
“I feel really good, I feel really comfortable,” he told the NASCAR website. “In practice, I don’t think the pace showed what we had but inside the car I felt super, super comfortable so I know we’ll have a shot tomorrow.
“I’ve been in this position many a time and haven’t won the race. …We’ve come close several times and this is a great race track for me so I’m really optimistic. I think we’ve got the car to do it.”
Who is challenging Bell for the South Point 400 win?
Bell is surrounded by a few of his championship rivals ahead of Sunday’s race, putting him under some pressure.
Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin and Larson all line up in the top five which puts them in a good position to compete for the win.
Both William Byron and Joey Logano languished towards the bottom of the top 10, but are far from being out of contention.
The most disastrous day was reserved for Ryan Blaney – fifth in the standings, who will start from 37th and last place in the race.
Chase Elliott also had a bit of a downer and will begin proceedings from 18th, facing a difficult task to make his way back through the field.