In this universe, however, Bell is on the outside looking in. That's due to a bizarre sequence of events during the Xfinity 500 in Martinsville, Va. Sunday that rocked the NASCAR world, and led to a spate of fines and suspensions for illegal race manipulation.

This has been one of the hardest things I have had to go through as a race car driver,” Bell said. “I believe cheated is the right word."

Christopher Bell was candid in his frustration with Chevrolet teams at the end of last weekend's Martinsville race.