Christopher Bell insists he isn’t this generation’s ‘The Closer’ and admits he is a ‘far stretch’ Kevin Harvick

Christopher Bell doesn't want to be the next “the closer.”


Christopher Bell insists he isn’t this generation’s ‘The Closer’ and admits he is a ‘far stretch’ Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick and Christopher Bell (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing youngster Christopher Bell has addressed the discussions in the NASCAR garage that he is “the closer” of the current generation. It is the moniker given to 2014 Cup series champion Kevin Harvick. It appreciates Harvick’s impressive race craft, which has often seen him chase down his rivals before taking the lead for their win in the final stretch of the races.

It also represents the clutch form the Stewart Hass racing driver has showcased over the years. Bell is, in many ways, the most clutch driver of his generation. It was in full display last year when he won the playoff round elimination races in R-12 and R-8 to secure a championship-4 spot. He recreated the same this year by winning last week’s Homestead-Miami Cup event to secure a final-four spot.

Bell, when asked about “the closer” moniker, admitted that he is a far stretch from Kevin Harvick to be called the name. He called Harvick the greatest ever to do it and said no one could take that moniker from him. Bell added that he wants to be himself in the future.

FS Video

I don’t know. I mean, Harvick is obviously one of the greatest to ever do it. I’m a far stretch from that. I am proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish I guess is the right way to say it. But I don’t think that anybody will be The Closer. That’s Kevin’s motto, that’s what he did. Hopefully, I’m Christopher Bell.

Bell said, as reported by ProTalk.

Christopher Bell lives for the clutch moments

While talking about how much the win amidst the massive pressure of the playoffs, he admitted that winning races in such conditions is what he lives for. He added that the Las Vegas race lost to Kyle Larson after an intense final lap battle. Miami’s win would’ve tasted better due to that.

Christopher Bell (Via IMAGO)
Christopher Bell (Via IMAGO)
Well, I mean, I don’t think that it means anything for me. I certainly thrive on pressure, and I love it. I live for those type of moments. That’s why last week hurt so bad because I live for those moments. Whenever you have an opportunity to be great…It didn’t work last week [at Las Vegas], and that really, really hurt me.

Bell now has to shift his entire focus to the Phoenix finale to secure his maiden title. Since JGR has to do everything possible to help Martin Truex Jr, and Denny Hamlin make it to the final four, as they are in a desperate situation, it is better for him to shift the focus on the finale.

Discover: