Kyle Larson saw his hopes for a long-awaited Chili Bowl Nationals title shattered in 2018, as a promising lead faded due to engine trouble in Tulsa, leaving him and Christopher Bell questioning what might have been. The much-anticipated showdown between Bell and Larson brought out the best in both drivers, highlighting the intensity of the Chili Bowl Nationals and the meaning it holds for racers at every level.
Anticipation in Tulsa: Setting the Stage for the Showdown
In 2018, the Chili Bowl Nationals became the centerpiece of a rivalry pitting two of the sport’s brightest stars, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson, against each other. Bell, preparing for his step into the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, faced Larson, fresh off an impressive season at Chip Ganassi Racing. Their arrival in Tulsa came with sky-high expectations as both drivers aimed for the iconic Golden Driller trophy. The week’s early rounds displayed their dominance, setting up a pole shootout that suggested Saturday’s finale would be intensely competitive.
An Unexpected Turn: Mechanical Failure Alters the Race
When the feature race began, the on-track action matched the hype, with Bell seizing an initial lead only to get caught behind slower traffic. Larson capitalized and put himself in prime position for his elusive Chili Bowl victory. However, with just 13 laps remaining, Larson’s car suffered a devastating engine failure, halting his charge and crushing his hopes for the championship. Larson had been so close to his first Chili Bowl Nationals win, an achievement that had consistently evaded him despite repeated attempts.
“That sucks,” Larson added. “I had a blown engine here before getting close to the lead. But leading … I guess I can deal with it since I’ve dealt with it now, it seems like, the last few months. Just a bummer.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Christopher Bell’s Mixed Emotions After Another Win
Christopher Bell claimed the checkered flag and his second consecutive Chili Bowl title, but his response after crossing the finish line was anything but celebratory. Despite the significant achievement, Bell’s remarks reflected the anticlimax of the night’s outcome. He expressed disappointment, not only for himself but for Larson and the legion of fans who wanted to see the rivalry resolved decisively on the track.
“That’s the most disappointing thing about this year’s Chili Bowl is I wanted to race it out,” Bell said via ESPN. “I felt like it was going to be a really good show for the fans and it was going to be a lot of fun for us.… But, man, I’m disappointed. That’s the right word. I feel like Kyle got robbed, I got robbed and the fans got robbed.”
—Christopher Bell, 2018 Chili Bowl Nationals winner
The event showcased the class of dirt racers, with Rico Abreu securing second and Spencer Bayston taking third place—both talents representing the Keith Kunz Motorsports stable, as did Larson. This collection of top drivers punctuated the Nationals’ status as a true crossroads for the world’s best sprint car specialists and hopefuls from across the racing spectrum.
The Legacy of 2018: Rivalry Renewed and New Aspirations
The story did not end with that year’s disappointment. Eight years later, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson returned to the Chili Bowl stage on new terms. Bell, now an established NASCAR Cup Series contender in the No. 20 car at Joe Gibbs Racing, and Larson, a two-time series champion with Hendrick Motorsports, both continue to seek validation in the fabled Tulsa event. Their careers, marked by major wins and championship battles on pavement, still circle back to this unique dirt race that unites established champions, up-and-coming drivers, and seasoned sprint car veterans.
Looking Forward: New Faces and Unfinished Business
The Chili Bowl Nationals field in 2026 features a broad mix of Cup Series stars, rising young stock car drivers, and legendary dirt racing competitors, all vying for a shot at the A-Main. This influx further cements the event’s reputation as a meeting point for the nation’s finest talents. The question lingers: will the fans finally witness the epic contest between Bell and Larson denied to them in 2018 due to fate and mechanical misfortune? While time will reveal the answer, the drama and passion surrounding Kyle Larson’s Chili Bowl journey continues to capture the imagination of dirt racing fans, NASCAR enthusiasts, and motorsports followers everywhere.
