In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where every millisecond counts, it's easy for exceptional talent to get overlooked. But which driver is the most underrated? A.J. Allmendinger, a seasoned veteran of the NASCAR Cup Series since 2006, has weighed in, and his pick might surprise you.
Allmendinger, who has shared the track with countless competitors, believes that Christopher Bell is the most underrated driver in the sport today. Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, is currently considered a top contender to advance to the Championship 4, especially after Denny Hamlin's recent victory.
So, what makes Bell so special in Allmendinger's eyes? During The Athletic's '12 questions' segment with Jeff Gluck, Allmendinger shared his perspective. He stated, "Christopher Bell. I know he wins a lot and he's on a great team, but to me, he doesn't make a lot of mistakes." This observation highlights Bell's consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Allmendinger also mentioned that Bell has been in the Championship 4 in the last couple of years.
But here's where it gets controversial... Allmendinger noted that Bell achieves success "without any controversy around him." This raises an interesting question: Does a lack of drama contribute to being underrated? Or does it simply mean Bell is focused on the race and less on the headlines?
NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick also recognized Bell's potential to reach the Championship 4 before Hamlin's win at Las Vegas. Harvick emphasized the importance of flawless execution and minimizing mistakes for Bell to secure a victory.
Bell himself feels a distinct shift in the 2025 playoffs, suggesting this could be his championship year. Reflecting on past seasons, Bell explained his journey: In 2022, he felt like an underdog who overperformed, reaching the championship event. In 2023, he felt like a favorite but didn't win the championship. And in 2024, despite feeling like a favorite, he didn't even make it.
Bell also shared his view on the current season, saying that they started strong and then struggled during the summer months, but are slowly regaining championship form.
And this is the part most people miss... Bell's ability to adapt and learn from past experiences could be the key to his success this year.
What do you think? Do you agree with Allmendinger that Christopher Bell is underrated? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Is it possible to be a great driver without making a lot of noise?**
