Christopher Bell continues solid summer run at Richmond

RICHMOND, Va- Christopher Bell’s summer hot streak continued Saturday night at Richmond, finishing seventh with one of his best tracks on the schedule looming. 

Coming into Richmond, Bell had rattled off five top-fives in six races, four of which were second place finishes. In the standings, Bell came to Richmond sixth with 659 points, +162 to the Chase cutline and -264 to Denny Hamlin atop the standings. 

Qualifying eighth, Bell had never won at Richmond in his NASCAR Cup Series career, with his highest ever finish being second in 2022. 

In the final stage Saturday, Bell opted for the two stop strategy, which proved costly. He collected stage points in both stages, finishing eighth in both and leading 29 laps on the evening. 

Leaving Richmond, Bell still sits sixth in the standings with 695 points, tied with Chase Elliott. He officially clinched a spot in the Chase with his result Saturday night alongside several other drivers. Bell sits -274 to the top seeded Hamlin currently, meaning he cannot catch him for the No.1 seed in the chase. 

Bell is likely about as high as he can climb heading into the chase, mathematically only able to as high as fifth with two races to go. The general consensus is that drivers will need to be in the top-six seeds heading into the chase to have a shot at winning the championship. 

While Bell has yet to secure a victory in 2026 so far, New Hampshire next Sunday provides a golden opportunity to finally secure a win. He is the only Joe Gibbs Racing driver without a win so far this season. 

At New Hampshire, Bell has won two times, in 2022 and 2024. Last season, he finished sixth in a race won by Ryan Blaney. Bell has been solid on short tracks in 2026, with two of his second place runs coming on short, flat ovals. 

The Cup Series now heads to Loudon for the Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Speedway next Sunday, with the green flag set to fly at 3 P.M. ET on USA Network.