Bell and Chastain heroes of Martinsville

By winning at Martinsville, Christopher Bell, who no longer had any chance of qualifying on points, pocketed a totally unexpected ticket for the final before the start of this penultimate round of the season.

200th Cup Series victory for Joe Gibbs Racing and a beautiful grandfather clock for Christopher Bell © Stacy Revere/Getty Images

But the hero of the event will forever remain Ross Chastain who performed a maneuver as crazy as it was brilliant to overtake 5 competitors in the last turn, going from a 10th eliminatory place to a 5th qualifying place. Launching his car at full speed in the back straight, Chastain came up against the wall in the turn and burst out in a shower of sparks in the final straight to beat his great rival Denny Hamlin on the line and take to qualify. A maneuver between Bobsleigh and Mario Kart which will be a landmark.

UNBEATABLE!@RossChastain floors it along the wall to go from 10th to 5th and advance to the CHAMPIONSHIP! #NASCARPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/9qX3eq7T6h

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) October 30, 2022

THE MOVE THAT SENDS ROSS CHASTAIN TO THE #CHAMPIONSHIP4! pic.twitter.com/67Ku712XZf

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) October 30, 2022

Hamlin, however, was not unworthy on the track, outrageously dominating the start of the race and leading 203 of the 500 laps of the race, but unfortunately 3 completely botched pit stops ruined his efforts and put him in difficulty. We could think that he had done the hardest part by getting the better of Chastain with 5 laps to go but the flash of genius, or madness, of the Trackhouse Racing driver sounded the death knell for his hopes.

In addition to Joey Logano already qualified thanks to his victory in Las Vegas, Chase Elliot, Ross Chastain and Christopher Bell complete the quartet who will play for the title next Sunday on the Phoenix oval. With four drivers from four different teams and all three manufacturers represented, this finale will definitely look great.

Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott and Christopher Bell. 4 men for a title.

Tyler Reddick crashed last week in Miami and was forced to retire after a few laps of the race, suffering from dizziness. The results of his medical examinations seem positive, but unfortunately he is a new name added to the long list of injured pilots this year. NASCAR promised to look into this problem during the offseason, it's time.

This 2023 season is definitely not like the others… For our greatest happiness!

Standings for the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville:

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