Who says NASCAR drivers can’t thrive beyond their usual tracks? At the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are proving their versatility, bringing their A-game to the dirt racing arena. While most Cup Series drivers are enjoying the off-season, these two have swapped downtime for high-octane action in Tulsa, reigniting their dirt track roots.
Larson, already a two-time Chili Bowl champion (2020, 2021), returned this year with a mission—to reclaim his dominance after a challenging 2024 run. Meanwhile, Bell, who holds three consecutive Chili Bowl victories from 2017 to 2019, made a thrilling comeback after Joe Gibbs Racing finally greenlit his participation.
The excitement in Tulsa reached a fever pitch as Larson delivered a stellar performance during the first preliminary feature. Following a disappointing outing last year that ended in a crash, Larson left no room for error this time. He dominated the prelim feature, securing his place in the A-Main for Saturday.
The race also saw an electrifying duel between Larson and Bell, showcasing their exceptional skills and competitive spirit. In a non-wing outlaw feature, Bell narrowly edged out Larson in a heart-stopping photo finish, claiming the Golden Driller trophy. The battle highlighted why these two NASCAR stars are forces to be reckoned with in any racing format.
Larson’s triumph in the prelim feature has set the stage for an intense showdown in the A-Main. Paired with Shane Golobic, Larson surged past him in the final laps, ensuring his spot for the decisive Saturday race. Fans and analysts alike are now speculating whether Larson can secure his third Chili Bowl title, cementing his place among the all-time greats of dirt racing.
Reflecting on his rivalry with Bell, Larson emphasized the mutual respect that fuels their competitive edge. “We’ve been racing against each other for 12 years,” Larson shared. “He’s pushed me to be better, and I think we’ve done the same for each other. It’s been great competition, and it’s only made us stronger.”
This healthy rivalry has not only elevated Larson and Bell’s performances but also brought a renewed focus on the charm of dirt racing. As Saturday’s A-Main looms, fans are eager to witness whether Larson can reclaim the top spot or if Bell will once again outshine his competitor. Either way, their brilliance has proven that NASCAR drivers can dominate any track they set their sights on.
