There’s simply no pleasing some guys. Christopher Bell ran a robust race, was overwhelmed pretty by Shane van Gisbergen, and got here away with a wonderful runner-up end in Sunday’s race at Mexico Metropolis. However that wasn’t sufficient for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver.
Bell was disenchanted that he didn’t earn his fourth win of the season, however reasonably needed to “settle” for his third runner-up end of the 12 months.
“He was actually good,” Bell mentioned of van Gisbergen to FOX Sports activities. “Finally, it was only a third place (automotive) at this time. I felt like Ty (JGR teammate Ty Gibbs, who light late to complete eleventh) was actually good (however) the yellow flag (a late warning) bit him and we walked away with second.
“So, each days, within the Xfinity automotive (in Saturday’s race) I used to be a 3rd place automotive. Right this moment, I felt like I used to be a 3rd place automotive. I believe greater than something it was simply me, I have to perform a little bit extra homework and work out the place I will be higher to maintain up with these guys.”
In all probability 99 % of Cup drivers would like to have three wins, three second-place finishes and one third-place displaying within the first 16 races, but it surely’s nonetheless not sufficient for Bell, who moved up one spot within the standings to 3rd place after Sunday’s race.
“The Joe Gibbs Racing group introduced an incredible Mobil 1 Camry and I can’t actually say that it was my automotive that was missing, I believe it was on me this weekend,” Bell continued to lament — though he had completely nothing to be upset about.
Though disenchanted to return second, Bell credit SVG
Nonetheless, Bell, who has been locked into one of many 16 playoff berths since a lot earlier this season, gave credit score to van Gisbergen. Up till Sunday, SVG had endured a dismal season, getting into the weekend a lowly thirty third within the Cup standings. Now, he leaves with an assured spot within the upcoming 10-race Cup playoffs.
“I’m blissful for Shane,” Bell mentioned. “Clearly, there’s loads of stress on him to return out right here and carry out effectively in these street course races and he units the bar for us.”
Bell and firm will now head again to the States for subsequent weekend’s race at Pocono Raceway in Lengthy Pond, Pennsylvania.
