Christopher Bell goes back-to-back, winning at COTA 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Christopher Bell claimed victory Sunday in a nail-biter finish to the NASCAR Cup Series’ EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas.

Bell led a total of four laps but showed speed all day. In Bell’s two victories this season, he’s shown an ability to close, leading just five total laps.

“These road course races are so much fun,” Bell said. “Whatever I did, I’m like okay, just don’t beat yourself. Those are about the five or six strongest laps I’ve ever run.”  

Although Shane van Gisbergen and Kyle Busch dominated in the first two stages, neither driver claimed a stage win due to pit strategies. It was Bubba Wallace who won stage one, while Ryan Preece claimed victory in stage two.

Late in the race, Busch led Byron by two seconds and Bell by four seconds with Bell closing with fresher tires. On lap 78, Denny Hamlin spun into Austin Dillon which trapped Dillon in the sand and brought out a caution.

On the restart with 13 laps to go, Busch held off Bell but his lead evaporated seven laps later. Bell passed him and took the lead. He hung on despite wheel-hopping and making mistakes as Byron and Reddick stalked him.

The win was Bell’s 11th career and second-straight on the season. It is the first time Bell has earned back-to-back wins in his career and the fourth-straight season he has had multiple wins. It is also the first time a driver has won two of the first three races in a season since Kevin Harvick in 2018.

Bell already clinched a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with last week’s win at Atlanta. With the COTA win, he now sits atop the playoff standings.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action next Sunday in the Shriners Children’s 500 from Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona.

Brett Alper and Tyler Jones contributed to this report.