Phoenix, AZ – The NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, 2025, was nothing short of spectacular. Christopher Bell, driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, clinched his third consecutive victory of the season in a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. Bell’s win in the Shriners Children’s 500 was historic, making him the first driver since 2021 to achieve three straight Cup Series wins.
The race was a rollercoaster of emotions, with intense competition and strategic decisions playing a crucial role. Teams had to navigate the challenges posed by two different Goodyear tire compounds. Bell’s team made a bold move by opting for the red “option” tires on their final pit stop. These tires offered superior grip but degraded faster than the standard yellow “prime” tires. This decision proved to be a game-changer, especially during the late-race cautions.
The final laps were a heart-pounding two-lap shootout between Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson. Bell and Hamlin were neck and neck coming off Turn 4, but Bell’s determination and skill saw him cross the finish line just 0.049 seconds ahead of Hamlin. This margin of victory was the second-closest in Phoenix Raceway history.
Bell led a race-high 102 laps, showcasing his ability to handle the strategic complexities of the race. The event featured ten caution flags, including a significant 11-car pileup on the backstretch, adding to the race’s unpredictability. Despite these challenges, Bell’s focus and precision never wavered.
The race began with William Byron taking the pole position, followed by Tyler Reddick and Ryan Preece. Bell started strong, finishing fourth in Stage 1 and taking the lead in Stage 2. The competition was fierce, with drivers like Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Kyle Larson constantly pushing for the top spots.
One of the most dramatic moments of the race was a late crash involving Ty Gibbs, which brought out a caution and set up the final shootout. Bell’s team made the crucial decision to switch to the red tires, giving him the edge he needed to maintain his lead. The final laps were a testament to Bell’s skill and determination as he held off Hamlin and Larson in a thrilling finish.
Bell’s victory at Phoenix follows his wins at Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas, solidifying his position as a dominant force in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. His performance has fans and analysts alike wondering if he can continue this incredible winning streak. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bell to see if he can further etch his name into the annals of NASCAR history.
The race also saw strong performances from other drivers. Josh Berry finished fourth, marking a significant achievement for the Wood Brothers Racing team. Chris Buescher, William Byron, and Alex Bowman also had impressive runs, finishing in the top ten.
As the dust settles on this thrilling race, fans are left with a sense of anticipation for the next event. Will Bell continue his winning streak? How will other drivers respond to his dominance? One thing is for sure: the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
