Christopher Bell Wins Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol

Bristol, Tennessee, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Christopher Bell showcased his racing prowess by winning the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, solidifying his position in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Starting fifth, Bell surged to the lead in the final laps, overcoming a tough challenge from Brad Keselowski. The race featured a record 14 caution flags and highlighted the dominance of Joe Gibbs Racing, with Bell securing his fourth win of the season. Unfortunately, several notable drivers, including Alex Bowman and Austin Dillon, were eliminated from playoff contention.

Bristol, Tennessee – Christopher Bell achieved a remarkable victory at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race held at Bristol Motor Speedway, securing his spot in the next round of the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. This victory completed a clean sweep for Joe Gibbs Racing in the first round, showcasing the team’s dominance as Bell notched his fourth win of the 2023 season and his first at the challenging Bristol circuit.

Bell’s triumphant finish was not without its challenges. After starting in fifth place, he successfully managed to take the lead during the final four laps despite enduring a considerable bump and run from Brad Keselowski. Ultimately, Bell crossed the finish line just 0.343 seconds ahead of Keselowski, solidifying his success in the race.

The race will also be remembered for its caution-fueled chaos, as a record-breaking 14 caution flags were waved, leading to an astonishing 137 caution laps. The cautions were largely due to excessive tire wear caused by new right-side tires supplied by Goodyear, which significantly impacted driver performance and pit strategies throughout the evening.

Team owner Joe Gibbs expressed enthusiasm about Bell’s victory, highlighting the successful start to the playoffs for Joe Gibbs Racing. Alongside Bell, teammates Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe also clinched victories in the first round, demonstrating the team’s strength as the playoffs progress.

However, not all drivers advanced to the next round. Alex Bowman, Austin Dillon, Shane van Gisbergen, and Josh Berry were all eliminated from playoff contention following the race. Bowman’s hopeful charge from a spin on Lap 100 ultimately fell short, finishing in eighth place, just 10 points shy of advancing to the next playoff round.

Ty Gibbs initially led for a total of 201 laps during the race, but he faced complications during his final green-flag pit stop, finishing in 10th place. The series of caution flags transformed pit strategy and tire management into critical factors, requiring teams to adapt quickly to changing race conditions.

Austin Cindric faced a significant incident when fire broke out in his car. Despite this challenge, he managed to secure the final transfer spot into the next playoff round, showcasing the resilience of the drivers amidst chaotic circumstances. Conversely, Denny Hamlin’s team faced penalties for losing a wheel during the race, resulting in suspensions for some crew members.

The next round of the NASCAR playoffs is set to begin on September 21 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where drivers will look to build on their successes and overcome the challenges presented by this competitive series.

Key Results

• Winner: Christopher Bell
• Second Place: Brad Keselowski
• Third Place: [To Be Determined]
• Total Cautions: 14
• Caution Laps: 137
• Ty Gibbs Lap Lead: 201 laps
• Next Race: September 21 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

Playoff Eliminations

• Alex Bowman
• Austin Dillon
• Shane van Gisbergen
• Josh Berry

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Features of the Race

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Additional Resources

• Fox News
• Wikipedia: NASCAR
• NBC Sports
• Google Search: Bristol NASCAR 2023
• ESPN
• Google Scholar: Joe Gibbs Racing
• Beyond the Flag
• Encyclopedia Britannica: NASCAR Cup Series
• Hendrick Motorsports
• Google News: NASCAR Bristol final policy

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER

The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.