Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell have been fierce competitors since their early days in dirt racing. Larson, often regarded as a “generational talent,” isn’t accustomed to losing, but Bell has consistently challenged him. Their rivalry, rooted in their shared background, has fueled intense battles on the track. Larson, in particular, has struggled against Bell, which has only added to the tension between them.
Larson’s difficulties with Bell date back to his early years in racing. Before making his mark in NASCAR, Larson was part of Toyota Racing Development, competing in open-wheel events like USAC midget and sprint car races under Keith Kunz Motorsports. During that time, he was one of the top drivers until Bell emerged and started outperforming him. On Corey LaJoie’s Stacking Pennies podcast, Larson admitted that Bell’s success took a toll on his ego. He recalled how Bell consistently won races while he finished second, especially at the Chili Bowl Nationals. The frustration of falling short against Bell for consecutive years made their rivalry even more personal.
Bell has dominated the Chili Bowl, winning three straight titles from 2017 to 2019. Their competition continued into 2025, where Bell won the Race of Champions, but Larson secured victory in the main event, tying Bell’s record with three Chili Bowl wins. Their battles didn’t stop there. Thanks to a policy shift at Joe Gibbs Racing, Bell was allowed to race on dirt tracks during the off-season. He capitalized on the opportunity, winning the Non-Wing Outlaw Main Event at the Tulsa Shootout and defeating Larson at the World of Outlaws opener at Volusia Speedway Park. Bell also took a playful jab at Larson after winning at Atlanta Motor Speedway, stating, “I love superspeedways,” referencing Larson’s struggles on such tracks.
Despite their fierce on-track battles, there is mutual respect between them. Bell has acknowledged their rivalry but insists they are not enemies. Reflecting on their long history, he admitted, “We respect each other. We’re not going to throw fists, but we’re rivals.”
As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series progresses, the competition between Larson and Bell remains a key storyline. Both drivers missed the Championship 4 last season, but with only two races completed, they still have plenty of opportunities to fight for the title. Whether their rivalry will push one of them to victory remains to be seen.
