Christopher Bell, a respected member of Joe Gibbs Racing and one of NASCAR’s standout dirt racers, will begin a new chapter as both owner and driver at the highly anticipated Christopher Bell Chili Bowl 2026, set to open on January 12. This event represents not only a return to an arena where Bell has enjoyed historic victories, but also a significant shift in his responsibilities, as he moves from champion driver to owner-driver for the first time at this iconic race in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Bell’s venture into dual roles comes after earning three consecutive Chili Bowl titles from 2017 to 2019 with Keith Kunz Motorsports, establishing himself as a legend of the event. His upcoming debut as a team owner means he will face new pressures, overseeing every aspect—both on the racetrack and behind the scenes—of his campaign in 2026.
Stepping into Leadership at the Chili Bowl
Christopher Bell, now a Cup Series regular with Toyota, is no stranger to the unique pressure cooker that is the Chili Bowl Nationals. But as owner-driver for the 2026 edition, he acknowledges the added layers of responsibility that come with this transition. Unlike the previous years, where he relied on the expertise and preparation of the Keith Kunz Motorsports team, Bell must now juggle the demanding triumvirate roles of driver, crew chief, and team owner.
Discussing this challenge, Bell explained how the move fundamentally changes his approach:
“It’s gonna be more stressful than just driving. Whenever you show up to drive for Keith, you know the car is going to be good. He has such a historic career there that you the car is gonna be good. You just gotta do your part driving.” — Christopher Bell, FloRacing
Bell underlined that as an owner-driver, the spectrum of his duties has broadened. Rather than focusing solely on his performance behind the wheel, he must also ensure his car’s setup, reliability, and the seamless operation of all parts of the team. Even for an accomplished driver, these additional concerns are daunting. Yet, his championship pedigree gives him confidence, and Bell approaches the event with realistic expectations, accepting the possibility that his pursuit of another win could take a back seat to the overall experience this time around.
“So, for me, going down there for the first time with my own equipment, I gotta drive good. On top of that, the car has to handle well. The wheels can’t fall off. All that stuff gives you more stress. But, you know, I am at a point in my career where if I go out there and never win another Chili Bowl, I am satisfied. I am just going there for fun.” — Christopher Bell
His comments suggest a sense of fulfillment from his prior successes, and a recognition that, having already claimed three Chili Bowl victories, the pressure to add another title has diminished. Instead, Bell sees this entry as an opportunity to enjoy the race in a new light, while embracing the challenges inherent in being responsible for every aspect of his team’s performance.
Fulfilling a Lifelong Ambition
The Chili Bowl has always held a special place in Bell’s heart. Growing up in Oklahoma, he was captivated by the event’s legendary status and the opportunity to watch some of his motorsport heroes compete on dirt. For Bell, participating—and later excelling—in this race was the realization of a childhood dream, and these memories continue to inspire his racing journey.
“Obviously, I hope to win more. It’s the granddaddy of them all for me. I grew up in Oklahoma, and going to that event and seeing all the superstars who raced there—it was always the big one.” — Christopher Bell
Reflecting further, Bell shared how becoming a competitor and ultimately a champion at the Chili Bowl surpassed even his youthful hopes. The path from ambitious fan to three-time winner of one of dirt racing’s most storied events has been transformative, shaping him into the versatile and resilient competitor he is today.
“As a kid, I just dreamed of competing in the event and never thought I’d reach the level of winning it. Now it’s just special, and it’s a huge part of why I am where I am today.” — Christopher Bell
Not only has the race tested his driving ability, but it has also taught him lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, which he now carries into this new role as owner-driver. His gratitude for those formative experiences and the rare accomplishment of multiple Chili Bowl victories remains central to his identity as both a racer and a mentor for others with similar aspirations.
What to Expect at the 2026 Event
The 2026 edition of the Chili Bowl promises to be a landmark in Bell’s career—his debut as a team owner at an event that has long defined his journey in motorsports. Competing under the dual pressure of performing as a driver and orchestrating every detail behind the scenes, Bell’s preparation will serve as a case study in resilience and adaptability. Fans will be watching closely to see how he balances these roles and whether he can add to his already impressive record, even as he emphasizes fun and personal fulfillment over victory at all costs.
Bell’s positive and enthusiastic approach underscores the broader significance of the Chili Bowl for both seasoned competitors and emerging talents. As he embarks on this new chapter, his story continues to highlight the event’s enduring appeal and its vital role in developing the next generation of dirt racing champions. The motorsports community will be watching closely as Christopher Bell embraces this new challenge at the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl 2026, carrying forward both the weight of his own legacy and the excitement of an owner-driver’s ambition.
🌶 @CBellRacing heads back to the #ChiliBowl in a role he’s never had before at the event.
He spoke to us about building a program from the ground up during our #RoadtotheChiliBowl presented by @Chilis. pic.twitter.com/QtuSy1NqF3
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 10, 2026
