William Byron qualifies for Phoenix championship finale, Christopher Bell gets safety violation
After much dilemma, William Byron was confirmed as the fourth and final qualifier for the Phoenix championship finale. Christopher Bell's heroic drive was not good enough as NASCAR slapped him with a Safety violation for his Ross Chastain-esque Hail Melon move in the final corner.
Byron and Bell finished the race level on points at the end of the race. Bell overtook Bubba Wallace in the final corner of the lap. However, he took the aid of the wall to make his move stick and NASCAR deemed it unfair.
NASCAR announced on X:
PENALTY: NASCAR deems the No. 20 car incurred a safety violation at @MartinsvilleSwy. He is placed in 22nd position, the last car one lap down.
NASCAR’s decision means Bell will not make his third consecutive final 4 appearances. This gives William Byron a shot to win his first NASCAR Cup Series title.
Ryan Blaney emerged victorious after a stunning drive at Martinsville to qualify. The duo will join 2-time champion Joey Logano and 23XI’s Tyler Reddick.
A dejected Christopher Bell spoke to the media post-race and said:
“I don't know what to say. I mean, I didn't advance my position into the wall. I lost time on the racetrack but it is not meant to be and… it's fine.”
“Go get them next week” - Christopher Bell’s message to William Byron after chaotic race end
Despite the heartbreak, Christopher Bell showed true sportsmanship and wished William Byron all the luck for the Phoenix showdown. The Joe Gibbs Racing star came tantalizingly close to qualifying for his third straight final 4 appearance but was hard done by NASCAR.
However, he walked up to the Hendrick driver to congratulate him post-race and told him “to go get them” at Phoenix.
Bell told William Byron:
“That’s not how I wanted it to go but congratulations. Go get them next week.”
Byron replied and said
“Appreciate it, thank you!”
The final 4 are set to lock horns at Phoenix next weekend. Joey Logano will look to clinch his 3rd NASCAR title. Meanwhile, his Penske teammate Ryan Blaney will look to defend his championship and go back-to-back. Can Tyler Reddick or Byron win their maiden NASCAR championship next week?