The 2025 Chili Bowl has concluded, delivering the drama, chaos, and nail-biting finishes fans have come to expect. Kyle Larson emerged victorious, claiming his third Golden Driller and solidifying his dominance in dirt racing.
However, much of the attention was on Christopher Bell’s long-awaited return to the event. After a two-year break, made possible by Joe Gibbs waiving his “no non-NASCAR races” rule, Bell entered with high hopes. Unfortunately, his run ended with a disappointing 10th-place finish—far from the triumphant comeback fans and Bell had envisioned.
Early in the A-feature, Bell appeared to be in contention, holding second place with just two laps remaining. Tanner Thorson led, and only the top two drivers would secure a spot in the A-main. Out of nowhere, Ryan Bernal made a bold move, overtaking Bell and claiming the final transfer position. As a result, Bell had to fight his way through the B-main.
Starting from 12th in the final 24-car field, Bell faced a steep uphill battle. While he managed to win the B-main, the climb to victory against seasoned competitors proved too much. He ultimately finished 10th, falling short of his pursuit for a fourth Chili Bowl title.
After the race, Bell spoke candidly about his performance, admitting he simply wasn’t at his best. “I just wasn’t good enough tonight,” he confessed. “It was tough for me to pass, but if you were good, you would have been able to pass. I just didn’t have it.” Despite his earlier belief that he could charge from 12th to the front in 40 laps, Bell acknowledged his limitations, adding, “If you can’t come from 12 to win, you’re just not good enough.”
Despite the setback, Bell didn’t leave Tulsa empty-handed. Earlier, he claimed victory in the Race of Champions, a prestigious non-Chili Bowl event featuring past winners and dirt racing stars. This marked his third win in the event, a significant achievement in its own right.
Though his Chili Bowl campaign didn’t end as hoped, Bell remained optimistic. With a bright future ahead, fans can expect to see him back in Tulsa, chasing that elusive fourth title. What did you think of Bell’s return to dirt racing? Share your thoughts!
