Christopher Bell delivered one of the biggest victories of his NASCAR Cup Series career under the lights at Darlington Raceway, capturing the 2026 Cook Out Southern 500 and opening the NASCAR Chase with a statement win.
After going 33 races without a victory and finishing runner-up a remarkable seven times during the season, Bell finally broke through in one of NASCAR’s most prestigious crown-jewel events. Driving the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota, Bell led 46 laps and put himself in position to capitalize when rain brought out a late red flag with just 29 laps remaining.
While several of the leaders stayed on track, Bell’s team elected to pit for fresh tires. The move paid off in dramatic fashion.
Bell quickly charged through the field following the restart and tracked down defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, who had led a race-high 99 laps. With just 12 laps remaining, Bell powered past Larson for the lead and never looked back, holding off Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Ty Gibbs to score the Southern 500 victory by 1.038 seconds.
The win was Bell’s first of the 2026 season and immediately vaulted him from sixth to second in the championship standings, just 12 points behind leader Denny Hamlin.
The emotional victory celebration made the night even more memorable. After taking the checkered flag, Bell climbed from his car and bowed toward the Darlington grandstands in tribute to his late former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Kyle Busch.
Now Lionel Racing is offering Bell fans the official Raced Version diecast of the No. 20 Toyota from his unforgettable 2026 Southern 500 victory.
Each Raced Version diecast is designed to recreate the car as it appeared after 500 grueling miles at “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” complete with the race-earned markings, tire wear, grime, and other details captured from Bell’s winning machine.
Celebrate Christopher Bell’s breakthrough victory and one of the signature wins of the 2026 NASCAR season with this Southern 500 Darlington Raced Version diecast!
This is an Action Racing Collectibles Collector Series diecast collectible car.
COLLECTOR SERIES FEATURES:
Diecast body; opening hood and roof flaps; serialized DIN (diecast identification number); detailed deco body; painted chassis detail; posable wheels; fabric window net; detailed engine compartment; and more!
Due in Spring 2027. You will not be charged until your car is in stock & ready to ship.
