Kyle Larson is determined to even the score in the ongoing Kyle Larson Tulsa Shootout rivalry, following his narrow defeat to Christopher Bell at the 2025 Tulsa Shootout. As anticipation builds for the 2026 event in Tulsa, both drivers prepare for another intensely competitive chapter in their storied rivalry, drawing fans and racers from across the globe.
Racing Rivalry Ignites High Stakes at Tulsa
In January 2025, motorsports fans witnessed a thrilling contest as Christopher Bell edged out Kyle Larson to secure victory in the non-wing outlaw feature at the 2025 Tulsa Shootout. The dramatic 55-lap showdown added another compelling episode to their long-standing competition, which spans both high-profile NASCAR circuits and the unpredictable world of dirt track racing. The memory of Bell’s victory still lingers for Larson, fueling his resolve for the upcoming event.
Larson, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports, has unfinished business in Tulsa. His fierce determination is vivid as the time approaches for a rematch. The Tulsa Shootout, scheduled from December 30 through January 3, 2026, will gather hundreds of racers from the United States and around the world. At the center of the action, the spotlight will shine on Larson and Bell as they prepare to renew their hard-fought rivalry.
“Christopher and I have had a bunch of good battles, good close finishes in that building. More often than not, he has come out ahead of me. But it seems as though in the midget, we’ve been able to get the better of him. So hopefully, keep that going,”
Kyle Larson said in an interview with FloRacing.
Larson Analyzes Past Duel in Search of Redemption
The closing stages of the 2025 feature race were a testament to both drivers’ relentless pursuit of victory. On the final lap, Larson used the outer cushion to gain on Bell, nearly overtaking him as they pushed their limits through Turns 1 and 2. Bell countered by carrying his car high into Turn 3, while Larson attempted a last-minute challenge along the bottom. Ultimately, Bell’s speed carried him ahead at the finish line, but Larson quickly regrouped and began strategizing for a potential reversal in 2026.
“That was a super fun race,”
Kyle Larson continued, recalling the tight battle. Steven Snyder Jr. also made a strong impression, with Larson noting,
“Steven Snyder Jr actually smoked by all of us and was flying like well on his way to win.”
Larson elaborated further:
“Then he was able to get the second on that last restart and chase Christopher, but he was running a line where it’s gonna be difficult to pass him, at least in the short amount of laps. I think if I’d had a couple more, it could have sized up a little bit better of a run. But I was able to try to hit the bottom of the last corner, and you know, try to beat him to the straightaway. But he got a good run off the cushion.”
Given the razor-thin margin separating victory and defeat, Larson is meticulously studying Bell’s racing lines and strategies. The next Tulsa Shootout is shaping up to be another chapter in one of dirt racing’s most intense rivalries, guaranteeing explosive drama for fans and competitors alike.
Spire Motorsports Embarks on Sprint Racing Journey
While the rivalry heats up, the sprint racing landscape is undergoing its own transformation. Spire Motorsports, known for its growing presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, is expanding its ambitions by committing to a full-time 410 winged sprint car team in the 66-race Kubota High Limit Racing series. This series, co-owned by Kyle Larson and his brother Brad Sweet, is gaining traction within the motorsports world, and Spire’s involvement further blurs the lines between traditional NASCAR teams and dedicated dirt racers.
The team’s new endeavor boasts open-wheel standout Giovanni “Gio” Scelzi as its primary driver and enlists experienced crew chief Eric Prutzman. Their campaign will also include an appearance at the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, adding new intensity to an already stacked racing calendar.
“Going on the road with High Limit is like a dream come true, and to do this with people I have deep respect and appreciation for makes it even better,”
shared Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson.
“We’ve worked with and for Kyle (Larson), Brad (Sweet), Kendra (Jacobs), and JP (Josh Peterman) for years, and I have an immense amount of gratitude to them for not only building a great series but for making a series that offers long-term growth to all of us in a sport we all love.”
Dickerson continued,
“We are not a NASCAR team that is going dirt racing. We are dirt racers who happen to have a NASCAR team. This is in our blood, and we can’t wait to get to Vegas in March.”
Anticipation Builds as Fans Await Epic Showdown
The 2026 Tulsa Shootout promises to deliver edge-of-the-seat action, as racing luminaries like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell prepare to add another chapter to their legendary showdown. Both drivers possess deep roots in dirt track competition, and Larson is intent on avenging last year’s loss while fans and rivals alike watch with mounting excitement.
Beyond individual ambitions, developments like Spire Motorsports’ sprint racing journey highlight the ongoing evolution of American motorsports. With top drivers, iconic teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Spire, and legendary tracks such as Tulsa coming together, the coming year could redefine the boundaries between stock car and dirt track racing. For the ever-growing audience of sports fans and racing enthusiasts, the next Tulsa Shootout will be a pivotal moment to witness rivalry at its finest and watch new stories unfold at the heart of this celebrated motorsports spectacle.
🙌 Will we see another @KyleLarsonRacin and @CBellRacing battle in Tulsa in 2026? #TulsaShootout #ChiliBowl 🏁 pic.twitter.com/v26oS0r3mM
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 23, 2025
