Christopher Bell Claims Thrilling Overtime Victory at Ambetter Health 400

ATLANTA, Ga. — Christopher Bell secured a dramatic overtime victory at the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This win marks Bell’s first of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and was notable for him leading only a single lap throughout the race.

The race was characterized by numerous caution periods, complicating strategies for drivers. Josh Berry clinched the Stage 1 win, while Austin Cindric emerged victorious in Stage 2 amidst a chaotic three-car wreck on Lap 150.

With less than five laps to go, Cindric’s race ended abruptly following a collision. Adding to the drama, last year’s Ambetter Health 400 champion, Daniel Suarez, met a similar fate, being involved in a seven-car crash on Lap 184 that also included Noah Gragson, Zane Smith, Cole Custer, Cody Ware, and Ty Gibbs.

Suarez, who had won the previous year’s race by a narrow margin, expressed disappointment over his early exit but looked forward to competing again at Atlanta, stating, “I think I’ve got better, and the team has got better. We still have things that we have to continue to work on, as always.”

Bell ultimately took the checkered flag after a tense finish, using a well-timed strategy to outmaneuver his opponents when it mattered most. Kyle Larson and Carson Hocevar rounded out the top three finishers.

After the race, Bell reflected on his unexpected triumph, emphasizing the unpredictability of racing and the importance of being ready to seize opportunities. “You can’t always stand still; you have to continue to get better,” Bell noted following his win.

Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick highlighted concerns regarding aggressive racing tactics, mentioning how this behavior could lead to increased wrecks as the season progresses. Reddick lamented, “There is no more driver code. It’s gone. If you’re in fourth or fifth place… you shove the daylights out of each other.”

The day was not without its mishaps; Brad Keselowski faced a startling incident involving his fueler. He unintentionally drove off while his fueler, Cody Osburn, was still attached to the car. Thankfully, Osburn escaped serious injury, but the miscalculation forced Keselowski to start Stage 2 from a disadvantage.

In the Truck Series, actor Frankie Muniz continued to seek respect among his racing peers. Competing in the Fr8 208, Muniz encountered difficulties and was forced out of the race after being pushed into Connor Mosack‘s vehicle. Muniz expressed his frustration to FOX Sports, saying, “I definitely don’t get respect out there… we were close to the top 10, which is a great showing for my team.”

The Ambetter Health 400 provided ample excitement and drama, showcasing the unpredictable nature of NASCAR racing. With tight racing and unexpected outcomes, fans eagerly await the next round of competition.