Christopher Bell claimed his fourth career triumph in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions, leading every lap of the Monday night feature at the Tulsa Expo Raceway. The Oklahoma native’s performance at the prestigious event solidified his reputation in the racing community and highlighted his expertise as both a driver and team owner, a first for him in this specific race. The Christopher Bell Race of Champions win brought excitement to fans and set a strong precedent for the 2026 racing season.
Pole Position to Podium: Bell’s Flawless Performance
Driving the PristineAuction.com No. 21cb, Bell converted his top qualifying time into an immediate lead at the drop of the green flag. He quickly distanced himself from the rest of the 23-car field, making the most of his pole position. A caution during Lap 7 for an incident involving Corey Day briefly bunched up the pack, but Bell kept control while Shane Golobic and Spencer Bayston remained in pursuit. The Race For Chase White Flag, presented by the Ultimate Sprint Car Series, added further incentive—a $3,224 payout, including an extra $224 for leading the pivotal lap. Bell’s calm under pressure and ability to maintain his advantage exemplified his poise behind the wheel.
Late Race Drama and Final Standings
The closing laps saw Bell challenged by thick traffic, which allowed Golobic to close in, shrinking Bell’s lead from more than two seconds to less than half a second. Despite Golobic’s efforts and the intense two-by-two racing behind him, Bell maintained composure to take the win just 0.419 seconds ahead. Golobic secured second place, while Logan Seavey overtook competitors late in the race to claim third. Ryan Timms finished just behind in fourth, and Spencer Bayston rounded out the top five.
Complete Results From the Invitational Race
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions, held on January 12, 2026, marked an important milestone as part of the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event’s qualifying laps showcased the depth of talent, with Bell clocking a swift 11.638 seconds, narrowly edging Bayston and Seavey for the top spot. Below are the qualifying times for the top ten drivers:
1. Christopher Bell – 11.638
2. Spencer Bayston – 11.644
3. Logan Seavey – 11.649
4. Shane Golobic – 11.682
5. Michael Pickens – 11.696
6. Tanner Thorson – 11.713
7. Ryan Timms – 11.734
8. Emerson Axsom – 11.746
9. Daison Pursley – 11.760
10. Kyle Larson – 11.764
Final finishing order for the 25-lap feature:
1. Christopher Bell
2. Shane Golobic
3. Logan Seavey
4. Ryan Timms
5. Spencer Bayston
6. Tanner Thorson
7. Kyle Larson
8. Emerson Axsom
9. Daison Pursley
10. Michael Pickens
11. Cannon McIntosh
12. Landon Brooks
13. Justin Grant
14. Jacob Denney
15. Kyle Cummins
16. Jesse Love
17. Kalib Henry
18. Kaidon Brown
19. Sammy Swindell
20. Kaylee Bryson
21. Ricky Thornton Jr (DNF)
22. Sam Hafertepe Jr (DNF)
23. Corey Day (DNF)
Legacy Among Past Race of Champions Winners
Christopher Bell’s 2026 victory adds to his growing legacy in this marquee event, with previous wins in 2025, 2021, and 2020. Other notable past champions include Logan Seavey (2024), Spencer Bayston (2023), Justin Grant (2022), and several multi-time winners such as Sammy Swindell, Tanner Thorson, and Kyle Larson. Each of these drivers has contributed to the event’s prestige, building a competitive tradition that spans over a decade.
Broader Context: The Chili Bowl Nationals and Upcoming Events
This edition of the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions featured a field of 24 drivers, although only 23 ultimately started the event. The race served as a highlight for the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals, powered by NOS Energy Drink, which will continue under the SageNet Center’s large roof from January 12–17, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Fans who cannot attend in person will have the ability to follow the action live and stay abreast of results and official updates via dedicated social media channels and the event’s website.
Significance of Bell’s Achievement and Looking to the Future
Christopher Bell’s commanding performance as an owner-driver in the Christopher Bell Race of Champions not only reinforces his standing as a top competitor but also showcases the strategic and financial rewards of leading from start to finish. With seasoned talents such as Shane Golobic, Logan Seavey, Kyle Larson, and Justin Grant competing fiercely, Bell’s victory underscores both his skill behind the wheel and his dedication to the sport. As the racing world looks ahead to the remainder of the 2026 season and the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals, fans and rivals alike will be watching closely to see if Bell can further extend his legacy in Tulsa and beyond.
