Christopher Bell seized the 77th NASCAR Cup Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, ending a winless streak that began in Bristol last September.
Bell’s Decisive Escape Over Larson
With twelve laps remaining, Bell overtook Kyle Larson and held a 1.038‑second lead over teammate Ty Gibbs, who finished second.
Tyler Reddick trailed in third, 2.533 seconds behind, after Bell’s dominant late‑race push.
Stage Dominance and Chase Pressure
Bell also captured Stage 2, while Reddick took Stage 1, setting the tone for the event’s intense leaderboard battle.
Nine of the top ten spots went to drivers in the Chase, and Josh Berry in seventh marked the highest finish among non‑postseason competitors.
Race Volatility and Finishers
Twenty‑eight lead changes among twelve different drivers and six cautions defined the grueling 500‑mile outing.
Kyle Larson slid to fifth on older tires after setting a race‑high 99 laps at the front.
Only two cars failed to finish: Chad Finchum in the No. 66 and William Byron, whose engine failed mid‑race.
Bell’s triumph not only escalated his career win total to fourteen but also reinforced his position within the playoff field, illustrating the relentless competition that six cautions and fierce engine demands continue to impose on Every driver at Darlington.
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