By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
CONCORD, N.C. – Christopher Bell had his eyes on yet another victory in the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule; however, a cut tire sent him into the wall and into the garage for a 31st place finish.
Bell started the race from the pole position, but when the green flag unfurled, he fell back. After getting the momentum back, he was able to challenge Cole Custer for the lead. By Lap 17, Bell was able to garner the lead and win the first stage.
With two laps to go in the second stage, Bell tagged the wall and cut down a tire. Instead of hitting pit road, the No. 20 Supra stayed out to try and stay on the lead lap, but the tire ultimately shredded and sent the team to the garage.
“I don’t know,” Bell said about what happened. “I felt like my balance was really good. My car was running good there. I had no warning of blowing a right front. I was actually a little bit loose that entire run. I guess we ran something over. I pile drove the fence and then rolling down the back straightaway I saw my teammate do it there too. Bummer, but we had a really fast Rheem Supra today.”
Bell finds himself second in the points standings behind Tyler Reddick going into Pocono Raceway next weekend.