The Weight of History: Christopher Bell’s Quest for a Fourth Consecutive Win

As NASCAR’s 2025 season unfolds, Christopher Bell finds himself on the cusp of history, riding a three-race winning streak into the vibrant city of Las Vegas. His victories at Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, and Phoenix have catapulted him to the forefront of the Cup Series, making him the early favorite for the championship. However, Bell is well aware that the fourth win is often the most elusive, as history has shown that even the most dominant drivers can fall short.

Jimmie Johnson, who last achieved four consecutive wins in 2007, understands the pressure that comes with chasing such a feat. “The stress of maintaining success in NASCAR is unlike anything else,” Johnson once noted. “The closer you get to something special, the more pressure builds—internally, externally, and sometimes in ways you don’t even see coming.”

Bell’s journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. His overtime pass at Atlanta, his masterclass at COTA, and his photo finish at Phoenix, where he edged Denny Hamlin by a mere 0.049 seconds, have all contributed to his impressive streak. Yet, history is replete with examples of drivers who came close to achieving this milestone only to have it slip away. Kyle Busch in 2018 and Kyle Larson in 2021 are prime examples, where accidents and unexpected setbacks ended their winning streaks prematurely.

Despite these challenges, Bell and his crew chief, Adam Stevens, remain optimistic. Stevens, who previously won championships with Kyle Busch, believes that their team has cracked the formula for success. “Adam and Christopher are a real pair,” said Joe Gibbs, their team owner. “Adam, obviously you can tell he has a gift being a crew chief.”

However, not everyone is convinced that Bell’s streak is sustainable. Denny Hamlin, Bell’s teammate, suggests that while Bell has the skill and speed to win more races, the unpredictability of NASCAR means that fortune plays a significant role. “It’s a weird business — you know, the fastest car, fastest driver only wins like, 30 some percent of the time,” Hamlin noted.

Bell faces a significant challenge at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he has yet to secure a win despite having a pole position three times. His average finish of 14.3 at the track underscores the difficulty ahead. Yet, given his current form and the confidence of his team, Bell might just defy the odds and make history in the neon-lit city of Las Vegas. The question on everyone’s mind: Will Bell break the curse, or will he become its next victim? All eyes will be on Vegas as he attempts to achieve what few have done before him.