Countdown to Daytona 2026 - 5 Days

By Adam Carabine

Counting down the final 30 days to the 2026 Daytona 500, we are looking at last year's Top 30 drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series. Today's driver: Christopher Bell

Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images

No. 20 Car – Joe Gibbs Racing

2025 Stats

Standings	5th
Wins	4
Points	2,418
Stage Points	211
Stage Wins	2
Laps Led	282
Lead Lap Finishes	29
Average Finish	11.2 (1st among all drivers)
DNFs	3
Races since last win	7

What Does Success Look Like in 2026?

Christopher Bell had a really solid start to his 2025 campaign, winning 3 races in a row at Atlanta, COTA, and Phoenix.  He stayed winless after that until the Bristol Night Race, and so I’m sure Bell and his team would prefer a bit more consistency spread out through the year.  At this point in his career, Christopher Bell needs to be going for championship-or-bust.  However, I do think the new Chase format plays well into his hands and skillset. 

Best-Case Scenario in 2026?

Multiple wins, his first career Cup Series Championship, and finally a way to silence the haters (does he have many? I’m not sure). 

Most Likely Outcome in 2026?

I think Christopher Bell might be my favourite to win the championship in 2026.  The new Chase format will really reward consistency, and that has been a strong suit for Bell over the years.  He’s in some of the best equipment on the track, and I think it could easily be his year.

Bold Prediction?

I don’t know if it’s bold at this point to say he wins the championship, so I’ll say he finishes every race on the lead lap.