Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are set to renew their intense NASCAR rivalry, with just a single point separating them ahead of the Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. Their ongoing battle, rooted in dirt tracks and now playing out at the highest levels of stock car racing, remains one of the most prominent storylines in the NASCAR Cup Series, making the Kyle Larson NASCAR rivalry a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
Rivalry Moves From Dirt Tracks to NASCAR’s Biggest Stage
Larson and Bell have long been adversaries, first facing off in Midget and sprint car races across the country, where they developed a reputation for close competition. As they transitioned to the NASCAR Cup Series, their rivalry remained intact, with each racer pushing the other to new heights. This dynamic comes to a head once again at Martinsville Speedway, as both drivers vie for a coveted spot in the 2025 Championship 4 and edge closer to another title opportunity.
Initially, Larson admits that his rivalry with Bell was sparked by the latter’s repeated victories on dirt tracks, driving both drivers to improve. Their competition became a motivating factor, transforming their relationship from one of jealousy to mutual respect.
Competitive Drive Creates Mutual Respect
Over time, Larson’s outlook toward Bell evolved as their careers advanced. In a recent teleconference discussing the unfolding championship battle, Larson reflected on how their competition pushed him to become a better racer, even as Bell’s success frustrated him in their early days.
“So, yeah, whenever he wins, I don’t get as upset as when I did when he was winning dirt races.”
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Bell made a significant mark by winning the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals Golden Driller trophy three consecutive times from 2017 to 2019, culminating in a memorable 2019 showdown where Larson finished as runner-up. However, Larson would eventually claim his own back-to-back Chili Bowl victories in 2020 and 2021, signaling a shift in their rivalry as both drivers continued to establish themselves as elite competitors.
Both Drivers Find Success at NASCAR’s Top Level
By the time Bell debuted in the Cup Series, Larson was already a well-established force, logging multiple seasons and amassing an impressive record. Larson has notched 32 Cup wins, including a standout performance during his 2021 championship campaign. Bell, a 2017 Craftsman Truck Series champion, has rapidly closed the gap, achieving a personal best of four wins in 2025, bringing his Cup total to 13 and sustaining four consecutive seasons with multiple victories. Their final average points rankings since 2022—3.5 for Bell and 4.5 for Larson—highlight just how closely matched they remain.
Martinsville Showdown Heightens the Stakes
Larson recognizes Bell’s capacity to deliver strong performances at any event, with the upcoming Martinsville race likely to serve as yet another high-pressure chapter in their competitive saga.
“Having us battle for championships in the past together or trying to make the final four like this weekend, I think it’s cool,”
said Larson.
“And I think it says a lot about the dirt racing community and drivers there, outside of just us, too. We’ve had lots of battles, lots of first- and second-place finishes, both in NASCAR now and dirt.”
This year, Bell briefly returned to his sprint-car origins before focusing again on the Cup Series, reflecting his deep ties to grassroots racing.
“I don’t think it went as well as he wanted it to, so now he might be retired again,”
Larson joked.
“But no, it’s still cool to race with him on Sundays.”
– Kyle Larson, Driver
Implications for NASCAR’s Future
The long-standing rivalry between Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell has crafted a compelling narrative that continues to capture the attention of race fans, teams, and broadcasters such as NBC, Peacock, HBO Max, MRN Radio, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As both drivers enter the critical Round of 8 finale, their ongoing duel is set to influence not only the current season’s playoff battle but the future dynamics of the NASCAR Cup Series itself. No matter the outcome at Martinsville Speedway, their history of close finishes and championship-contending form ensures this rivalry will remain central to the sport for years to come.
