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

Christopher Bell won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway to open NASCAR’s Chase, passing defending champion Kyle Larson with 18 laps remaining and ending a 33-race winless stretch dating to Bristol last September. Bell held on for his first career Cup win at Darlington and moved into second in the Chase standings behind teammate Denny Hamlin. The finish featured tense strategy during the sixth and final caution, when Larson stayed out for track position while others—including Bell—pit for fresh tires. Bell ultimately surged past Larson, while Hamlin, the top seed, dropped to 20th after being hit by Michael McDowell near lap 237 and continuing without a caution.