Bell pulls out emotional victory at Phoenix Raceway

AVONDALE, Ariz. – Christopher Bell and the rest of Joe Gibbs Racing have been through more than their share of heartbreak in the desert.

The unexpected death of the team’s vice chairman and owner Joe Gibbs’ son happened in Phoenix two years ago. Last fall, a broken brake rotor spoiled Bell’s NASCAR Cup Series championship hopes in the Valley of the Sun.

Winning at Phoenix Raceway will never erase the anguish, but it’s certainly another step in the healing process.

Bell surged into the lead when Martin Truex Jr. was forced to pit and pulled away for an emotional NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.

“This one feels really good,” Bell said. “You don’t get cars like that very often, as you know. Just super, super proud to be on this 20 car.”

JGR has been through a whirlwind of emotions in Phoenix.

In 2022, hours after Ty Gibbs won an Xfinity season championship for his grandfather’s team, vice chairman Coy Gibbs was found dead in his hotel room. Ty’s father was 49.