Christopher Bell questions Ryan Blaney’s last lap antics at Las Vegas after Joey Logano’s surprise win

Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell made some bold comments about Ryan Blaney playing defense for Joey Logano at Las Vegas.


Christopher Bell questions Ryan Blaney’s last lap antics at Las Vegas after Joey Logano’s surprise win

Joey Logano, Christopher Bell (In Circle) and Ryan Blaney (Via IMAGO)

Coming into the R-8 opening race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Joey Logano was the most overlooked racer in the championship-4 predictions. But he proved his worth yet again to the garage, winning the race with his impressive fuel saving strategy and securing his place in the season finale, as Team Penske comes close to securing another title in the Next-Gen era.

The defending Cup champion Ryan Blaney played a small but significant part in Joey Logano’s win over the dominant Christopher Bell. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver after the race claimed that the No:12 Ford, which was racing outside the P30, was aiding the No:22 Ford by playing defends for him. Bell though holds no grudges as he sees it as a fair move.  

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Regardless of how much time he had, the 12 car was with Joey trying to play defense for him. So, it was going to take the right move to get by him but we had, what was it, 30 almost 40 lap newer tires? … I think it’s fair game and you know, props to him.

Christopher Bell told Bob Pockrass.

While further talking on the point, Bell explained that Logano winning the race is actually bad for Blaney as they were fighting each other for points. The later had to make the small sacrifice for the team, and help Penske have one car in the championship battle.

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I think the 22 winning was probably bad for the 12. Because they’re racing each other for points to get in. So, you know, Penske, they won the race and got one car in so they did it right.

Christopher Bell added.

Christopher Bell hasn’t come to terms with the loss yet

The TRD racer was seen really disappointed with how the whole race transpired for him. In his post-race interview, he admitted to finding it hard to believes he lost the race after having the greatest car to Logano, who made into the R-8 only because of Alex Bowman’s DQ at Roval.

Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell (Via IMAGO)

I don’t think I’ve come to terms yet. I don’t know. Just a bummer. I think everyone on this team did everything perfect today. This thing was obviously on rails. Pit crew did an amazing job. Adam called a great race. Did everything we did everything we needed to to put this Rheem Camry in Victory Lane. Wasn’t meant to be today.

Christopher Bell said.

The No:20 Toyota team didn’t everything they could to be in the contention for the win, but things didn’t go as planned. He shouldn’t be too disappointed though as he maximized on points and have placed him a great spot to make it into the championship-4.