In the world of NASCAR, one of the most exciting aspects of the sport is the rivalry that can develop between drivers. Recently, Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain have found themselves at the center of such a rivalry, and it all started with a comment Bell made that seems to have gotten backlash from fans now.

The Cause Behind the Ross Chastain – Christopher Bell Controversy

The final laps at the Richmond Raceway witnessed edge-of-the-seat action when Bell made an attempt to move up the track while Chastain simultaneously drove toward the bottom lane. This move resulted in Bell ramming into the rear of William Byron‘s car, causing Byron to spin, further controverting his chances of winning.

In a post-race interview, Christopher elaborated on this incident and said, “The wrecking ball (Ross Chastain) came in and made us three wide at the last second and there wasn’t enough room to be three wide.” 

He further added that “He didn’t do anything wrong but that’s just his M.O. I feel bad for the #24 because he obviously, probably didn’t get the memo that we’re gonna be three-wide cause I barely got the memo that we’re three wide.” 

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Bell’s Comment Piques Vexation Among Fans

Chastain defended his move against the JGR driver by saying, “I never saw #24, I know I was the bottom of the three but I never saw #24.”

This statement was backed by several fans on Twitter who tweeted out in support of Chastain, who believed Denny Hamlin’s Teammate, Bell, to be the cause of the incident with Byron.

Replying to a tweet from Bob Pockrass featuring Chastain, a fan said, “Because he didn’t. Bell just shifting blame for his own screw up. Wonder if Denny is gonna blame Ross for running over Yeley or his speeding”

Another said, “bell really doesn’t think that’s on him? wild”

While another fan claimed, “Totally on Bell. When Ross screws up, he owns it. Bell just got spooked someone dared make a move on him.”

“Great finish , Ross!!! Like they said in the booth, “If someone breaks a fingernail, they will find a way to blame it on Chastain!” You finished in the top 5 and they didn’t!”

“Seems like Ross is living rent free in someone’s head. That’s on them, not Ross.”

“I like to give ross crap when he deserves it but he wasn’t even close to bell there. byron getting spun was 100% bell. feel confident that christopher will change his tune when he sees the replay.”

Christopher later tweeted and apologized to Byron, where he addressed the space towards his left and how his ignorance due to the heat of the moment cost #24 the race. Although there were no acknowledgments regarding Chastain.

With the Bristol Motor Speedway all set to host this weekend’s race, it’ll be interesting to see how this alleged rivalry will play out further. Will Christopher Bell acknowledge his mistake, or will this duo witness further restraints?

READ MORE: Forced by “PR Guy”, Christopher Bell Accused of “Backtracking” Over His Comments on Joe Gibbs