Darlington, SC: Christopher Bell has been really close to “Victory Lane” this season. However, time and time again, he came up just short. Seven times, to be exact. But after a touchdown’s worth of runner-up finishes, Bell rose to the occasion in the opening leg of NASCAR’s postseason.
The driver of the #20 Toyota was able to run down race leader Kyle Larson with just over ten laps to go and held on to claim the Southern 500 on Sunday night at Darlington Raceway. Bell’s victory marked his first of the season and highlighted Toyota’s dominance in the Pee Dee.
Light rain began falling late in the race, and NASCAR elected to red-flag the action with 30 laps remaining. When the race went back under yellow, Larson stayed out and assumed the lead. Joining him in staying out on the track were Austin Cindric, Joey Logano, and Ryan Preece.
With 13 laps to go, Bell passed Larson for the lead before Ty Gibbs got past the #5 on fresher tires.
Bell’s triumph, his first since September 13, 2025, in Bristol, moved him to second in the playoff standings, only twelve points behind leader Denny Hamlin, who finished 18th. Hamlin got damage on lap 240 after contact with Michael McDowell.
Tyler Reddick, who led 74 laps, finished third. Ryan Blaney and Larson broke up the Toyota stranglehold at the top, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
The series shifts to World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois next Sunday for the second race of “The Chase.”
Southern 500 Winner: Christopher Bell — Postrace Press Conference
Southern 500 Race Report
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