Christopher Bell has one final opportunity to accomplish the biggest goal of his NASCAR career. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver heads into Sunday’s Cup Series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway with a chance to capture his first career championship.
Bell has been one of the strongest competitors throughout the 2026 season, but he faces a difficult challenge. He currently sits second in the championship standings, 67 points behind Kyle Larson, who enters the finale in control of the title race.
Bell Needs a Nearly Perfect Performance
There is no room for mistakes for the No. 20 team. Bell needs to win at Homestead and earn at least 14 stage points, or 13 stage points along with the fastest-lap bonus, depending on Larson’s final point total.
That is a difficult task, especially with Larson needing only nine points to clinch the championship regardless of what his competitors accomplish.
Still, Bell has shown throughout the season that he has the speed to compete with the best. His victory at Darlington was one of the biggest highlights of his campaign, and he has consistently demonstrated the ability to contend for wins.
A Championship Years in the Making
Bell has become one of NASCAR’s most reliable front-runners since joining Joe Gibbs Racing. However, a Cup Series championship remains the major accomplishment missing from his résumé.
Winning Sunday’s race would give him an opportunity to change that and deliver a massive moment for his team.
Homestead is a challenging track that rewards drivers who can manage their tires while maintaining speed over long runs. Bell will need to be aggressive without making costly mistakes.
Can Bell Pull Off the Upset?
The odds are certainly against him, but Bell is not mathematically eliminated. He needs a strong performance and some help from Larson.
If everything falls into place, Bell could leave Homestead as the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series champion.
One race stands between him and the biggest achievement of his career. Now, he has to make it count.