Who said that NASCAR drivers cannot prove their worth in tracks other than their own? While the office season for other Cup drivers includes family time, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell are at Tulsa, chasing their dirt track dreams. Larson and the Chili Bowl Nationals have become almost synonymous. The HMS driver has already bagged two victories, at the Chili Bowl Nationals, one in 2020 and the other in 2021. 

Consequently, Bell is also back at the tracks after Joe Gibbs has finally given in and allowed his drivers to pursue this dynamic. Bell has a record of hattrick victories from 2017 to 2019. And guess what, the preliminary results suggest NASCAR drivers are back in their form!

Larson puts up an impressive drive during the first prelim feature 

The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals holds a lot of anticipation, particularly because Bell is back after three years and Larson’s 2024 run wasn’t up to the mark. Larson made a late entry into the event but was sidelined after a crash in his heat race. This also prevented him from advancing to the final day of competition. 

This year, for the 40th Tulsa Shootout both Bell and Larson have been quite competitive. In a thrilling battle, Bell edged out Kyle Larson in a nail-biting photo finish to claim victory in the non-wing outlaw feature. During the final laps, Larson charged into second place late in the race. He also utilized the outer cushion through Turns 1 and 2 to close in on Bell’s rear bumper. As they approached Turn 3, Bell opted for the high line while Larson took a lower path. However, Bell’s expertly timed drive off Turn 4 propelled him across the finish line first. This also earned him the coveted Golden Driller trophy.

Larson consequently, bagged the first prelim Feature of 2025 and he has moved into the A Main for Saturday. He is joining Shane Golobic for the drive and it will be the final run that would decide whether Larson would claim the title for the third time. With only two laps remaining for the race to climax, Larson took over Shane Golobic – guaranteeing his spot for the A Mains. Given the prowess of the two NASCAR drivers, several posts took on. One such post read, “What a finish!! Monday night belongs to @KyleLarsonRacin!He’s joined by@ShaneGolobic as A-main transfers to Saturday, while Cannon McIntosh and Brent Crews (C-main to 4th!) just miss out.#ChiliBowl2025 @Frontstretch”. 

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson have displayed remarkable progress. Both of them have successfully delivered standout performances that underline their competitiveness. Larson’s dominant showing in the first prelim feature positions him as a top favorite to secure his third Chili Bowl title.

Larson says he has enjoyed battling against Bell

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Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell have made NASCAR proud and it has certainly showcased why it was right for Joe Gibbs to allow drivers to get back to dirt racing. While Larson and Bell have often competed with each other for a position at the Cup Series level, the same has been replicated even during the Chili Bowl Nationals. 

Speaking of the rivalry they have showcased, Larson said, “For the last 12 years, we have competed with each other. Frequently. We’ve both pushed each other to get here and I think it is good for any athlete to have that person or persons to push you and I think we push each other. We’ve had a lot of great battles, he’s probably come out on top probably more often than me, at least back in the day. He had this stint where he wasn’t allowed to race which was nice on me for sure”. 

A little bit of healthy competition is important as it constantly challenges you to become a better version of yourself. Their rivalry, rooted in mutual respect, has not only elevated their careers but has also brought a renewed spotlight to the enduring appeal of dirt racing. Fans cannot help but witness what unfurls for the upcoming Saturday.