A look at the winners and losers after Sunday’s Cup race in New Hampshire:
WINNERS
Christopher Bell — He wins the Cup race one day after winning the Xfinity race. His two wins make it easier for car owner Joe Gibbs to forgive him for letting him go ahead of Tuesday’s announcement of who will take over the No. 19 drive next year, while Martin Truex Jr. will not drive full-time after this season.
What did Christopher Bell say about who Martin Truex Jr. replace next year?
Christopher Bell spoke to the media on Friday and revealed who is expected to drive the number 19 next year.
Joe Gibbs Racing— Christopher Bell’s win marked the 13th straight New Hampshire race in which JGR has finished a car first or second in the Cup race.
Chase Briscoe – He was 23rd when rain stopped the race. He went on to finish in second place of the season, saying that ‘the rain saved us’. Briscoe is now 25 points below the playoff mark with eight races remaining in the regular season.
Josh Berry – He equaled his best season finish by finishing third. He also benefited from the restart of the race. He was 20th when rain stopped the race.
LOSERS
Bubba Wallace – He was caught in the crash caused by Noah Gragson. Wallace finished 34th, falling out of a playoff spot. He is now 13 points below the limit.
Justin Haley – He was fifth when the race was stopped due to rain. After the race resumed, his car was damaged by contact with Michael McDowell and finished 29th.
Kyle Busch – He lapped early and was involved in three accidents before ending his race with a 35th-place finish. Busch has finished 35th or worse in three of the last four races.
Hendrick Motorsport — The organization last won in New Hampshire in July 2012. That’s 18 straight races at the 1.058-mile track that Hendrick hasn’t won. Other than Kyle Larson who finished fourth on Sunday, none of Hendrick’s cars placed in the top 15. Alex Bowman finished last after an engine failure.
What drivers said after the New Hampshire race won by Christopher Bell
Drivers discuss their race and run on rain tires at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
