Bell passes defending NASCAR champion Larson to win Southern 500 to start The Chase

Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday night to open the NASCAR Cup Series’ “Chase,” ending a 33-race winless streak that dated to Bristol last September. Bell passed defending champion Kyle Larson with 18 laps remaining and held on to secure his first Darlington Cup victory in 15 career starts at the track. The win moved Bell into second place in the Chase standings behind teammate Denny Hamlin. Gibbs Racing finished second with Larson, while Tyler Reddick was third. The race’s key moment came during the sixth and final caution when Larson stayed out on track while others—including Bell—pitted for fresh tires. Bell also fended off a late challenge; Hamlin fell back after being hit from behind on lap 237 by Michael McDowell.