“I Had the Best Car!” Christopher Bell Sulks Over Nashville Cup Race Defeat to Denny Hamlin  

The NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway witnessed some wild moments and Denny Hamlin producing an impressive last lap run to win his second race of the season. He beat his teammates Christopher Bell and Chase Briscoe, two racers desperately looking for their maiden win of the season, in a last lap battle.

One racer that is heartbroken the most about the result in the No:20 Toyota driver Bell, as he had the advantage in the final lap with Hamlin giving a good push. But he overdrove on the second turn and that was enough for the No:11 team to punce on and triumph. If nor for that move, he would’ve finished the day as winner.

Yeah, I mean, we just got stalled out, right? Right here, I thought the 19 was… I thought he was going with me, and… Yeah, I mean, we just got stalled out, right? Right here, I thought the 19 was…Oh, man.I thought he was going with me, and then, uh…Yeah, I knew I had to get it in the corner, or I thought I did, and I got it in the corner, and then he got clear off of 2, so… I didn’t win the race, man. There’s nothing to blame.

Christopher Bell told Amazon Prime post-race.

.@CBellRacing reflecting on the final lap at Nashville. #NASCARonPrime pic.twitter.com/RsL6kuOKlK

— Sports on Prime (@SportsonPrime) June 1, 2026

Further talking about the loss Mark Martin and Dale Eranhardt Jr., the TRD racer Christopher Bell admitted that he is disappointed as he lost despite having the bets car on the day.  He reiterated that his mistake cost him the win, when the broadcasters came for his defense as the circumstances were on his favor.

I got the best car on the racetrack. I had the best car on the racetrack, and we had the lead on the restart. I got a great push from Denny on the restart, and I didn’t win the race, so…It wasn’t circumstances this time, Mark. There’s a lot of circumstances that I’ve had this year, but this time, it was nothing, buddy. It was on me. I appreciate that.

Christopher Bell added.

Christopher Bell explains the mistake that cost him the win

In a sperate conversation post-race, the veteran racer admitted that towards the end of the race, his team gave him everything to win, the right car, and the right strategy. It was his decision making on the track that backfired and deprived the team of a much-needed trophy.

I didn’t need anything [at the end]. My car was amazing, had the right strategy, the right everything, and I just did not win the race. I didn’t do a good job of driving, and I got no one to blame but myself.

Christopher Bell said via racer.com.

Furthermore, the racer admitted that he should not have let Hamlin to get on his inside to the turn one, and should not have been focussed on getting clear into the first turn with Briscoe behind him. If he had his priorities right, the results would’ve different.

I needed not to let Denny get beside me on the restart. I was focused on getting clear into [Turn] 1, and I opened the door, and Denny got right beside me. Then it was a drag race from there.

Christopher Bell added.

The comments from the racer shows how much the disappointment over the loss and the desperation to end his winless streak is affecting him in 2026. It would be interesting to see how long the No:20 team fans have to wait to see the veteran back on the victory lane.

Also Read: Denny Hamlin Reveals Secret Behind Becoming a Better Racer at the Age of 45 to Mark Martin