Just a week ago, Kyle Larson bagged a whopping $100,000 after winning the High Limit Racing’s international event in Perth. Now, as we know the HMS star isn’t just restricted to the confines of NASCAR ovals, he also decided to compete at the Tulsa Shootout in multiple divisions. What followed next was multiple race wins, but the highlight was his epic battle in the non-wing class against his rival Christopher Bell.

The incentive of a big payday cannot fuel this passion or desire to race. Larson had it in Perth. If it was about money, the HMS star wouldn’t compete at the event, but the pure racer mentality and the prospect of going against skilled driver Bell were enough for him to enter the event. Veteran drivers Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace appreciated this commitment and dedication toward motorsport.

The Tulsa Shootout 2025 brought out the best out of the two drivers

The crowd inside the SageNet Center was up on their feet witnessing two passionate race car drivers trading blows. In the final three laps, they both switched spots and took the lead, but the JGR star was able to take it home in a photo finish. Although this wasn’t a million-dollar event, the feeling of winning the race was immense for Bell. Larson even congratulated his rival in the victory lane. This is exactly the kind of atmosphere NASCAR fans wish they had every weekend.

Although Bell only received $2,500 for his exploits he looked more than content and elated to have enjoyed racing in the presence of passionate fans. Reacting to the epic battle at Tulsa Shootout, Ken Schrader said this on Herm & Schrader podcast, “The one at the end non-wing with Larson and Bell, it just shows how screwed up we all are because of racers. Christopher Bell could not have been more happy and rightfully so. As he was holding up his $2500 check. Tell me again how much the money really means, it doesn’t mean nothing.”

Like Tulsa Shootout, the Chili Bowl Nationals has grown in prestige with each passing year. Started in 1987, it was a two-day event with 52 entries competing in the midget cars. But, it now expanded to five days and so far 350 entries have already registered for the Super Bowl of Midget Racing. While events like Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl do not have massive prize purses, they can attract a lot of racers.

Taking a subtle jab at Larson High Limit Racing for not being able to attract drivers for the upcoming season, Schrader added, “That’s like adding $10,000 to win in Australia, what the hell. You think the guys are going to be that much happier, it’s that big of a deal because it pays $110,000 instead of the $100,000… Take the other ten grand and add it back to normal qualifiers or something to get more cars. The winner leaves happy regardless.”

Sharing his take on the passion at Tulsa and Chili Bowl, Kenny Wallace chimed in, stating, “Listen, for the love of the sport we’ve always joked our whole lives. How much money did you spend on your dirt car? We don’t want to know… I love what you said because you’re right, they wouldn’t go to the Chili Bowl. Kyle Larson said I’m on strike, I want them to pay more money, I’m not racing the Chili Bowl. But here he flies from Australia to Tulsa, for $2500 to win.”

Well, the motorsports fans will have a double dose of what they experienced at the Tulsa Shootout. Both Larson and Bell will be dueling against each other at the Chili Bowl Nationals in a few days.

All eyes on the Chili Bowl Nationals

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This year marks the 39th running of the event at the Tulsa Expo Center. However, this year’s Chili Bowl is special with the amount of NASCAR drivers registered to compete at the event. The usual suspects, Kyle Larson a two-time champ and Christopher Bell a three-time champ will look to add more Golden Trophies to their cabinets. Well, thanks to Joe Gibbs, without him lifting the ban at JGR, Bell wouldn’t be able to compete either at Tulsa Shootout or the Chili Bowl Nationals. Bell made sure to thank Joe Gibbs as well after his win in Tulsa, saying, “I’ve got four words: ‘Thank you Joe Gibbs!'”.

The big surprise entry is of 2-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch. He was also competing at Tulsa but after a couple of wins in the heat races, he couldn’t make it to the A-mains. Rowdy certainly showed that he can compete on the dirt and will be hoping to at least make it to the A-mains in his Chili Bowl debut. “I still like to be out there and doing it even if I’m not great at it.” He said this ahead of the big event.

Ty Gibbs, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. J. J. Yeley, and Josh Bilicki have also confirmed their participation in the event. The entire Chili Bowl Nationals will be covered by Flo Racing, the streaming home for NASCAR regional action. January 13 will kickstart the festivities at the SageNet Center and the championship race on January 18 will conclude the six-day mega event.