Christopher Bell achieved a commanding victory during Thursday’s Chili Bowl Prelim A-Main in Tulsa, earning his spot in the Championship Feature Event alongside Kyle Larson. This year’s Christopher Bell Chili Bowl victory marks a significant chapter in his enduring connection with the renowned dirt racing competition.
Bell’s Return and Recent Successes in Tulsa
Bell has competed at the Chili Bowl 13 times, boasting three consecutive championship triumphs between 2017 and 2019. After a two-year absence, he returned to the Tulsa Expo Center last season, securing a 10th place finish on Saturday night. Bell’s performance this week signaled that he remains a formidable force every time he hits the Tulsa dirt.
The Chili Bowl campaign began strongly for Bell on Monday when he dominated the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions from start to finish. His quick qualifying run earned him a front-row start, drawing a zero in the invert, and he converted that advantage into his fourth Race of Champions win. Notably, this was Bell’s first time capturing the victory as both an owner and driver.
Momentum Through Heats and the Prelim A-Main
On Thursday, Bell continued his hot streak by winning Heat Race 5. Racing for Joe Gibbs Racing, he clinched his ninth career Chili Bowl Nationals preliminary triumph later that night, further establishing his credentials as a top-tier competitor in the event.
Despite starting in eighth for the 30-lap Prelim A-Main, Bell navigated dense traffic in the early stages, recalibrating his strategy as the race unfolded. As conditions intensified entering the final laps, Bell modified his racing line, found more pace, and took advantage of the spirited on-track environment, which opened up passing opportunities.
He expertly surged past both C.J. Leary and Ryan Bernal in a pivotal moment, swiftly overtaking the front-runners and cementing his lead. Ultimately, Bell crossed the finish line first, building anticipation for the showdown with Larson in the finale.
“Christopher Bell takes a bow pic.twitter.com/pXKdQ3b3Lt” — Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 16, 2026
Bell’s Confidence and Outlook Toward the Championship Feature
Looking ahead to the main event, Bell expressed his confidence in the car’s performance, feeling prepared for the challenges of the demanding competition.
“I feel really good about the speed in the racecar. I think the racecar is super fast,”
said Bell, reflecting on his prospects for the finale.
Bell noted ongoing efforts to refine the car’s drivability, particularly under treacherous track conditions.
“We have been working on it and changing the car a little bit. I still think we have a little bit to get the car a little more drivable, especially when the track gets really treacherous like that. The car is super, super fast,”
Bell added, signaling his readiness for the intensifying competition.
Anticipation for the Final Showdown Between Bell and Larson
With both Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson set for another head-to-head in the Chili Bowl finale, excitement is building among dirt fans, who are eager for an elite battle reminiscent of past clashes on this historic stage. Their on-track rivalry in Tulsa will also serve as an early indicator for the approaching NASCAR Cup Series season, as both drivers look to make their mark both in midget racing and on the asphalt circuits.
As the Championship Feature Events approach, all eyes will be on Bell, Larson, and the field, with the stakes raised and the potential for unforgettable racing drama at the Tulsa Expo Center.
Christopher Bell takes a bow pic.twitter.com/pXKdQ3b3Lt
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 16, 2026
