The race to make the NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 intensified at the Straight Talk Wireless 400, as Tyler Reddick claimed a crucial win.
A tight race ended with a magnificent final few laps, where the leaders swapped and changed positions at will.
The biggest loser of the weekend was Joey Logano, who lost three positions in the standings, falling out of that playoff picture for the time being.
Current championship leader Christopher Bell enjoyed a solid event but is yet to win in the Round of 8 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Christopher Bell knows a win could seal ‘intense’ championship
Bell is yet to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship, coming closest in 2022 when he finished third behind Logano and Ross Chastain.
Speaking to NBC Sports after the race, he is aware that winning is crucial to his title bid but has been pleased with his recent consistency.
READ MORE: Christopher Bell shares how he plans to approach NASCAR championship battle with Kyle Larson
“There were runs in race today where I felt really good, but just after restarts, I couldn’t keep up with them.
“This is so, so intense and we knew coming into the Round of 8 with these drivers, we were going to have winners, winners and winners.
“So, yeah, I’m glad we’ve been able to maximize our points and in order for us to transfer (to the Championship 4), we’re still going to have to be running for the win in Martinsville. I guess I’m out of here with a top-five and getting points is really good.”
Who is Bell’s biggest threat for the Cup Series championship?
One glaring name stands out most when it comes to competing for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Kyle Larson has won three more races than any other driver this year, and taken more stage wins, but has also looked more vulnerable to getting held up in incidents.
The 32-year-old should be the runaway leader in the standings, but currently sits third with an 11-point margin to fifth-placed Denny Hamlin.
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As long as he has a good race at the Xfinity 500, he will be considered the biggest threat to Bell’s maiden championship charge.
His ability to dominate is his most impressive skill set, and he has the ability to destroy his opponents on any given weekend.