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.

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

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."