“I think that the Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell rivalry is real”, this is what the NASCAR veteran had to say about the two NASCAR stars. While some friendships are made in heaven, the skirmish between Bell and Larson seems to have the same nature. Both drivers share a dirt racing background and compete fiercely on dirt tracks and in NASCAR. Yet the good thing is that they never take personal jabs at each other.

It was only recently that Bell got back to his roots, dirt racing after he received a green signal from Joe Gibbs himself. Since then, there have been close calls when the two drivers have been in eye-to-eye combat with each other. Amidst varied conjectures, Bell shares exactly how the dynamics between the two have been. 

Bell and Larson have always been cordial

Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell share one of NASCAR’s most exciting rivalries. The reason? Their competitive fire was evident at the World of Outlaws races at Volusia. In a heart-pounding showdown with just three laps to go, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell delivered a dirt-track duel for the ages. Trading slide jobs like two heavyweight fighters exchanging haymakers, the battle was nothing short of electrifying. Bell, behind the wheel of the Kreitz Racing No. 69K, masterfully worked the bottom groove with surgical precision, while Larson fearlessly rim-rode the high line. In the end, it was Bell who edged out Larson in a finish that perfectly encapsulated their relentless rivalry.

Addressing the rivalry, Bell said, “It is a rivalry I guess. I try to ignore that word but you know, we respect each other. We are not enemies like we are not gonna sit here and go throw a fist. But we respect each other and we are rivals. We have competed against each other for a long long time and probably many years to come. And he loves beating me and I love beating him. So yeah it is really cool. He’s the best car driver of all time and anytime I get to beat him, it’s a big deal.”

Determined not to let history repeat itself, Kyle Larson came back stronger the very next night. Starting from pole, he put on a masterclass in dirt racing, leading all 25 laps and finally acing the victory position. As Larson clenched to the massive victory, everyone talked about how the rivalry between has been carved out on stone.

When Bell made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, Larson was already thriving in the Cup Series under Chip Ganassi Racing. What added fuel to the fire was their deep-rooted history in the world of dirt racing. Both drivers have battled fiercely on dirt tracks and across NASCAR circuits. What makes this rivalry special is the mutual respect they share.

While they frequently clash on the track, there is seldom a portrayal of any personal animosity—just pure, competitive spirit. Their battles are exactly what the spirit of NASCAR thrives on – aggressive, high-level racing that captivates fans. As the 2025 Cup Series season approaches, both drivers are poised to make a major impact.

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Bell opens up on his preparation for the Daytona 500

If there is one race for which drivers wait for the entire year with bated breath, it is the Daytona 500! Accorded as the ‘Great American Race’, it knocks the nerves of both new and experienced drivers. Christopher Bell has built a reputation for thriving under pressure at Joe Gibbs Racing, but nothing tests his resilience quite like Speedweeks. This grueling stretch of competition often starts with months of preparation. 

Speaking of the same, Bell said, “It’s an intense week, for sure. You have to be locked in every second. There’s so much that goes into Speedweeks beyond just the race itself.” Speaking of the nature of Daytona, Bell further added, “The style of racing here is so different. You have to be prepared for anything—one second, you’re leading; the next, you’re in the middle of three-wide chaos with nowhere to go.”

Daytona isn’t just about preparation, it is also a track that puts teamwork, communication, and split-second decision-making power to the test. Sometimes, the difference between victory and disaster comes down to sheer luck. Do you think Bell will be able to clench the Daytona crown this season?