#20-Christopher Bell finished 36th in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway after blowing a rotor on lap 109.
What happened to take you out of the championship race early?
“Well, I mean that was my first time I’ve ever exploded a rotor in my career. So, yeah, I was surprised but early on in the race I had a little bit of brake fade and the second run it just kept getting worse and worse. I don’t know. Just obviously a disappointing way to end. I’m super, super proud of this 20 team and all of our partners at DEWALT and Rheem. To be in the Final 4 is something we’re really proud of.”
Was there any sign of it yesterday in practice?
“Not from my standpoint in the car. No.”
Are you disappointed to be out of the race so early?
“Yeah, I mean it stings to not have a shot at the end of it obviously. We were all four really close and we all four showed strengths at different times. I think it’s going to be a great championship race and whoever wins is going to be well deserving.”
Was there any warning what was happening before you hit the wall?
“Yes, I did have brake fade. In the first run of the race, I did have some pedal fade and I think that was run two – it got worse and worse.”
How do you summarize the season after the rough day today?
“I’m very proud of the effort put forth by our team to get to the Championship 4, but I do feel like we left a lot on the table at various races throughout the year. I’m excited about the future. We haven’t reached our potential yet.”
— Toyota Racing —