There’s nothing quite like the respectful rivalry between Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. These two have been battling it out since their dirt racing days, and while both have become NASCAR superstars, they still find time to revisit their roots. The 40th annual Tulsa Shootout gave fans a real treat, pitting the pair against each other in an edge-of-your-seat finish that saw Bell narrowly edge out Larson.

The two have been heavyweights in the NASCAR world for the last few years. Kyle Larson won the 2021 Cup Series championship, while Bell has finished amongst the top 5 in the championship standings over the last three years. Bell’s consecutive Championship 4 appearances in 2022 and 2023 hit a roadblock in 2024 after a penalty at Martinsville saw him miss out on the Championship 4. However, when it comes to dirt racing, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver was returning after 6 years away from the dirt tracks and still managed to oust the dirt racing regular, Kyle Larson.

Larson pays respect to his rival’s big win

The non-wing outlaw feature at the Tulsa Shootout was everything dirt racing fans dream of. Christopher Bell, back on the dirt for the first time in years after Joe Gibbs Racing finally gave him the green light, showed everyone why he’s one of the best to ever do it. Bell also thanked Gibbs for the same after his race, saying, “I’ve got four words: ‘Thank you Joe Gibbs!’” Gibbs had banned JGR drivers from racing outside NASCAR for over a year and the removal of this ban towards the end of 2024 was a cause for celebration. Dirt racing fans knew a Larson Vs Bell Shootout race was on the cards, and it did not disappoint.

The race was an absolute thriller. Over 55 laps, Bell and Larson put on a masterclass. Bell grabbed the lead late, but Larson, being the relentless competitor he is, wasn’t letting him get away. Larson tried to ride the wall, ‘Ross Chastain’ style, but it was to no avail. With just a lap to go, Larson was right on Bell’s bumper after a daring charge through Turns 1 and 2. It looked like Larson might just pull off one of his signature finishes, but Bell held his nerve. He took the high line into Turn 3 and came out of Turn 4 with just enough momentum to take the checkered flag by a whisker.

After the race, Kyle Larson was genuinely happy for Christopher Bell. “I’m happy that he’s allowed to run dirt cars again because the sport needs it,” he said. High praise from one champion to another. Bell and Larson going head-head on dirt tracks is a sight to behold and fans enjoyed every second of it. NASCAR fans have been desperately asking for racing content in the offseason and if this doesn’t scratch your itch, we don’t know what will.

For Bell, this was more than just a win. It was a triumphant return to his roots, racing on dirt in his home state. “Oh my gosh, man. I live for moments like that,” Bell said after the race. “Driving these race cars, especially here at Tulsa, there’s nothing else like it.” 

Larson didn’t win, but he wasn’t bitter about it. “That was fun though. I hope the fans really enjoyed it. I know I did,” he said. Then, in typical Larson fashion, he added, “I hate running second to Bell, but at least with a finish like that, I’ll take it.” The Larson-Bell photo finish was the highlight of the 40th Tulsa Shootout and reminded fans just how good NASCAR drivers are.

However, no one was surprised to see Larson and Bell dominate the way they did as their roots lie on dirt tracks.

Dirt rivals turn NASCAR stars

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Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell have been trading blows on dirt tracks for years, long before they were fighting NASCAR championships. While the pair were the dominant force in the 2024 NASCAR season, neither of them ended up with the Cup series championship, losing out to Penske #22 Joey Logano. Bell and Larson’s rivalry started in sprint cars and midgets, where they both quickly earned reputations as generational talents.

Larson’s resume on dirt is staggering. He’s dominated the World of Outlaws and USAC circuits, and he’s a two-time Chili Bowl champion (2020 and 2021). His nickname, “Yung Money,” says it all—he’s a natural behind the wheel of anything with four tires.

Bell, on the other hand, is a homegrown hero in Oklahoma. With three consecutive Chili Bowl wins (2017-2019) under his belt, he’s every bit the dirt racing legend Larson is. His precision and racecraft on tight dirt ovals set him apart, and his smooth transition to NASCAR has only bolstered his reputation.

It’s no wonder fans get so excited when these two go head-to-head. They respect each other immensely, and every race feels like a battle for the ages.

Their battles at the Tulsa Shootout were legendary but that was just the appetizer. The main course? The Chili Bowl Nationals, kicking off on January 8 at the same SageNet Center in Tulsa. Larson and Bell will both be there and if their Tulsa Shootout clash was anything to go by, we’re in for another classic.

The Chili Bowl, often called the “Super Bowl of Midget Racing,” is one of the most prestigious events in motorsports. The week-long spectacle will wrap up with feature races on January 18, broadcast live on FloRacing.

Both Larson and Bell have their eyes on adding another Chili Bowl Nationals to their collections. But as Saturday night proved, the journey to victory is just as thrilling as the destination. Who do you think will prevail in the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals?