Christopher Bell, NASCAR’s Mr. Clutch, proves his mettle again at Homestead

HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Frustrations were bubbling, the car wasn’t where they wanted it and the No. Yet, 100 laps later, following a somewhat chippy radio exchange with crew chief Adam Stevens, a chaotic sequence that sidelined multiple contenders, a timely caution, and unflappable driving that exhibited why he’s considered one of NASCAR’s top talents, there was Bell performing a smoky burnout on the frontstretch to signify a win that locked him into the Championship 4 field for a second consecutive year. “Heck, no, I can’t even say I was thinking of a win at any point in the day except maybe the last 10 laps,” Bell said. A couple good adjustments later, we became one of the fastest ones.” There is no arguing that all drivers need an equally great car, but Bell deserves a significant share of credit for transforming into NASCAR’s Mr. He’s evolved into a driver who, if given a car capable of winning, will go and do that. And when NASCAR rolls into Phoenix in two weeks for its title round, Bell won’t carry with him the label as the “favorite.” Such distinction belongs to either 2021 champ Kyle Larson or his Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron, who has a series-best six wins this season.