NASCAR drivers Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson demonstrated their remarkable dirt track expertise at the 40th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals at Tulsa Expo Center on Monday night, underlining how Christopher Bell Chili Bowl victory continues to reflect NASCAR’s strength in diverse motorsports. Their performances not only thrilled the crowd but also established a competitive tone for the week’s racing festivities.
Christopher Bell, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing, impressed from the outset in his self-prepared No. 21 Rheem entry. He started by clocking the fastest lap during time trials, granting him pole position for the prestigious Race of Champions. Benefiting from both a favorable invert draw and considerable skill, Bell secured a front row start, and then executed a commanding drive by leading every lap of the 25-lap event. His competitors included defending NASCAR Cup Series titleholder Kyle Larson, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love, and ARCA Menards Series standout Kaylee Bryson.
Fourth Race of Champions Victory for Bell Matches a Legend’s Record
The win marked Bell’s fourth triumph in the Race of Champions, allowing him to equal the record held by legendary midget racer Sammy Swindell. Despite this accomplishment, Bell has yet to sweep both the Race of Champions and the Chili Bowl Nationals within the same year, fueling anticipation among fans that Monday night’s result may signal an end to that persistent challenge for the Oklahoma racer.
Larson’s Grit and Recovery Secure A-Main Triumph
Later in the evening, Kyle Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, matched Bell’s success by overcoming setbacks early in his Heat Race and starting fourth in the 30-lap A-Main. Larson gained the lead after overtaking Shane Golobic, Briggs Danner, and Cannon McIntosh within the first third of the race. His progress was momentarily disrupted by contact with Gaige Weldon while lapping traffic, resulting in a brief spin. However, Larson avoided major incident, resumed racing promptly, and defended his advantage despite a late push from Danner.
NASCAR Talent Receives Additional Spotlight
The evening’s competitive spirit extended beyond Bell and Larson, as Tanner Berryhill added to the NASCAR showing by claiming a B-Main victory, ensuring positive momentum for the days ahead. With the schedule moving forward, drivers such as Ty Gibbs and Sheldon Creed are poised to make appearances in upcoming events, maintaining high anticipation for the week’s climax: the endurance-testing Alphabet Soup Day, which spans over twelve hours of intense racing on Saturday.
Chili Bowl Nationals Reinforces NASCAR Driver Versatility
The performances delivered by Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson on Monday highlighted the exceptional adaptability and skill of NASCAR stars on dirt tracks, bridging the gap between stock car circuits and midget racing’s unique challenges. Their results not only emphasize the broad reach of NASCAR talent but also increase excitement for fans awaiting further contests, as top competitors like Jesse Love, Kaylee Bryson, Sheldon Creed, and others prepare for their shot at victory in Tulsa.
It was a good night for the #NASCAR guys at the #ChiliBowlNationals on Monday, with @CBellRacing going wire-to-wire in the Race of Champions, and @KyleLarsonRacin winning his Monday Night Prelim.
(PS: @TannerBerryhill won a B-Main, too!)https://t.co/P8Dr9kPbuN
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) January 13, 2026
