“He’s in for a rude awakening”: Christopher Bell drops a bold forecast for new JGR ally after his long-time spotter’s sudden exit

Christopher Bell is bracing for one of NASCAR's most unpredictable races on June 8 at Michigan International Speedway, with a new spotter. Speaking ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver shared a candid evaluation of his spotter's adaptation to the high-speed, chaotic restarts typical of the two-mile oval.

Located in Brooklyn, Michigan, the 2-mile D-shaped intermediate track presents a unique challenge on the NASCAR calendar. Bell, who has had to adjust following the abrupt exit of longtime spotter Stevie Reeves, issued a pointed warning about that to his rookie spotter - Matt Philpott.

Aerial view of the start of the Sirius 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI. Source: Getty

With 18 degrees of banking in the turns and 12 degrees on the frontstretch, the track promotes multi-groove racing and big drafting runs. Its wide racing surface allows for four wide battles, particularly on restarts. The paved surface and a caution speed of 65 MPH make timing and communication between driver and spotter overly critical. That's what Christopher Bell hinted at when he said (via Dustin Long):

"He's in for a rude awakening at this race track. Let me tell you, because restarts here are probably the most intense restarts that we get all year long. Massive draft runs, lots of lanes to pick where to go. He's been doing a lot of studying, and he's been doing a great job, too."

Michigan's restarts are notoriously difficult. Cars build momentum quickly, often fanning out across the frontstretch as drivers battle for position. A poor spotter call or moment of hesitation can send a contender backward or worse, into the wall.

Bell's long-time spotter, Stevie Reeves stepped away from the No. 20 team before Charlotte. He was surprised but respectful of the decision. Matt Philpott, a relatively new voice in the Cup Series garage, was promoted mid-season to guide the JGR ace. So far, Philpott has had just two points races to settle in and the early chemistry has had its rough edges.

"Getting thrown in the middle of the season, he's done everything you could ask for. And from my side, really, there's been a couple really tight clears. I had my incident with a teammate, with Ty (Gibbs) at Charlotte that hindered his race. So that was a bummer. But we worked through that. And it's just me understanding his language and knowing his tone of voice, stuff like that," Bell added.

Bell added that crew chief Adam Stevens has helped Philpott adjust to his new surroundings. The No. 20 driver has finished within the top 10 in the last two races at Charlotte and Nashville and aims to repeat the same this Sunday (June 8).

Christopher Bell eyes Michigan breakthrough after rocky start at the track

Christopher Bell greets fans before the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Source: Imagn

Christopher Bell's 2025 campaign has been packed with highs. He bagged three consecutive wins at Atlanta, Texas, and Phoenix and later followed it up with a victory in the All-Star Race. But it was after that win at North Wilkesboro that his spotter change came suddenly. Despite his overall success this season, Michigan remains elusive.

Bell has yet to record a top-10 finish in any of his previous six Cup starts there. The FireKeepers Casino 400 this weekend marks the 15th points-paying race of the season, where he will start in the 25th position. Recent history has shown Ford's dominance at the venue, winning every race from 2017 to 2023. However, the streak broke last season when Toyota's Tyler Reddick claimed victory.

Christopher Bell's (20) pit crew during a Coca-Cola 600 pit stop at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Source: Imagn

Reddick's win gives Christopher Bell hope. He is already locked into the 2025 playoffs with the trio of wins and sits third in the championship standings with 459 points. With a proven car and growing synergy with his new spotter, Sunday could provide the breakthrough he's been chasing in Michigan.