On Lap 108 of the 312-lap race, his title hopes ended abruptly when he blew a brake rotor and slammed the Flip 3 wall. He was working sixth on monitor on the time of the incident.
His No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota obtained intensive injury and he finally took it to the storage. Bell’s race and goals of successful the 2023 title had been formally over.
The 28-year-old will end thirty sixth at Phoenix and finish the 12 months fourth within the championship standings. It is his second consecutive 12 months within the Championship 4, ending 2022 third within the remaining standings.
“Effectively, I imply that was the primary time I’ve ever exploded a rotor in my profession,” stated Bell after being checked and launched from the infield care middle. “So, yeah, I used to be shocked however early on within the race I had a bit of little bit of brake fade and the second run it simply saved getting worse and worse. I don’t know. Simply clearly a disappointing approach to finish. I’m tremendous, tremendous pleased with this 20 staff … to be within the Remaining 4 is one thing we’re actually pleased with.
He later added: “Sure, I did have brake fade. Within the first run of the race, I did have some pedal fade and I believe that was run two – it bought worse and worse.”
Talking on his disappointment, Bell stated: “Yeah, I imply it stings to not have a shot on the finish of it clearly. We had been all 4 actually shut and all of us 4 confirmed strengths at completely different instances. I believe it’s going to be an important championship race and whoever wins goes to be properly deserving.”
The Hendrick Motorsports team-mates of William Byron and Kyle Larson stay within the combat, as does Group Penske’s Ryan Blaney.
Bell was the one Toyota driver in competition for the title on Sunday.
“I’m very pleased with the hassle put forth by our staff to get to the Championship 4, however I do really feel like we left so much on the desk at varied races all year long,” concluded Bell, reflecting on his 2023 season. “I’m excited concerning the future. We haven’t reached our potential but.”
