Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, both renowned NASCAR Cup Series drivers, are set to intensify their celebrated rivalry as they battle for a record fourth Golden Driller trophy at the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma this weekend. The Kyle Larson Chili Bowl rivalry has reached new heights with both contenders having already secured their respective qualifying victories this season, putting them on a potential collision course during Saturday’s climactic A-Main event.
Larson achieved his first Chili Bowl title in 2020 after more than ten years of attempts, successfully defending it in 2021 and then dominating the 2025 championship race. His accomplishments have included a third victory where he led from the pole and brought home another Golden Driller, underlining his consistency with A-Main appearances in 12 out of his total 18 participations. Bell, who will be competing in his 13th Chili Bowl this year, swept the championships with three back-to-back wins in 2017, 2018, and 2019, prior to his rise as a full-time Cup Series driver.
Both drivers have recorded significant performances during qualifying and preliminary events. Larson set a precedent this season with nine preliminary feature victories, while Bell added more triumphs, including prestigious wins in the Race of Champions and the Thursday preliminary A-Main in 2026. The competition between these two midget racing stars has added a thrilling edge to this year’s Nationals, with Larson and Bell now equally matched with three Chili Bowl championships each.
Veteran Observers Weigh in on the Rivalry
This week in Tulsa, Larson demonstrated his form by seizing victory in Monday’s preliminary A-feature. Meanwhile, Bell, who had returned to the event in 2025 after stepping away for two years and finishing 10th in last year’s finale, made headlines not only as a driver but also as a newly minted team owner. He advanced from eighth place to take top honors in his preliminary A-Main, maintaining his momentum with critical wins during the marquee week of racing.
The competitive narrative drew comments from media veteran Kenny Wallace, who closely follows the Cup drivers’ battles at the Chili Bowl. In his recent Coffee with Kenny episode on January 16, Wallace reflected on the high expectations around the event and suggested the stakes are higher than ever due to Larson and Bell’s history at Tulsa.
“On Saturday night, we’re going to see who’s going to win this thing. Is it going to be Christopher Bell or Kyle Larson? And if they don’t win, it will be an upset,” Kenny Wallace said (08:30).
Setting the Stage for a Dramatic Chili Bowl Finals
The 40th edition of the iconic midget racing event concludes with the much-anticipated Saturday A-Main, where both Larson and Bell aim to break their tie for most Chili Bowl championships by a driver. The finale begins with live coverage from FloRacing at 9 am Central Time, and opening ceremonies are scheduled for approximately 7:30 pm CT, leading up to the high-pressure evening showdown.
The fiercely competitive spirit between Larson and Bell, set against the storied backdrop of Tulsa’s Chili Bowl, escalates the anticipation surrounding this year’s event. Whether one of the Cup drivers claims the historic fourth title or an outsider disrupts the script, the outcome will shape the legacy of both drivers and elevate the national profile of midget racing’s most celebrated race weekend.
“Coffee with Kenny”@KyleLarsonRacin VS @CBellRacing at the @cbnationals 🏁 pic.twitter.com/cfYho1QIeX
— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) January 16, 2026
