Christopher Bell is back where he belongs—on the dirt, in Tulsa, and ready to take another shot at the Chili Bowl Nationals. For two years now, Bell, one of the best dirt racers of his generation, was forced to sit out his favorite event thanks to a Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) policy that kept its drivers focused strictly on NASCAR. Watching the event from the sidelines wasn’t just disappointing for Bell; it was downright painful.

Now, with the ban lifted and Bell behind the wheel, the buzz around this year’s Chili Bowl is sky-high. Fans are getting the dream showdown they’ve been waiting for, and Bell admits that he is making up for heart-aching lost time.

Bell’s FOMO is real: “It’s painful when you’re not there”

If you’ve ever wondered how much the Chili Bowl means to Christopher Bell, look no further than his recent interview with Tyler Burnett. You could feel the heartache in his words as he described those two years away. “It’s painful whenever it goes on and you’re not there,” Bell said. “You want to be able to watch the races, it’s the atmosphere… You watch it at home on FloRacing, and you get the visuals, but you don’t get the atmosphere.”

Bell’s return has been especially meaningful for racing fans but especially for those in Oklahoma. A native of Norman, Bell has always had a special connection to the Chili Bowl, where he’s already won three times. His last victory came in 2019, and he’s hungry for a fourth Golden Driller trophy.

For Christopher Bell, the Chili Bowl isn’t just a race; it’s an all-encompassing experience. “It’s the entertainment, the downtime—you get guys tossing frisbees and beads and pool balls all over the place. It’s just one of a kind,” he added.

The reason for his absence? JGR’s strict policy barring drivers from extracurricular dirt racing. A move intended to keep its athletes focused on their NASCAR commitments and away from injury risks. While Bell understood the logic, it didn’t make missing the Chili Bowl any easier.

Thankfully, things changed in 2024 when Joe Gibbs’ grandson, Ty Gibbs, took a special interest in dirt racing. That interest helped nudge the team’s leadership to lift the ban, allowing Bell to finally return to his roots. And it couldn’t have come soon enough for Bell—or the fans. The Chili Bowl Nationals have always been special, but this year’s event feels extra big. With Bell back in the mix, the competition is stacked.

Of course, Bell isn’t the only big name to watch. Larson, with two Chili Bowl wins under his belt (2020 and 2021), remains a force to be reckoned with. Then there’s Kyle Busch, whose debuting presence adds to an already star-studded lineup. Throw in Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Ty Gibbs, and J. J. Yeley amongst many other talented drivers and you’ve got a field that’s as deep as it is talented. Before he takes on the Chili Bowl, Bell had a dirt racing warm-up of sorts at the Tulsa Shootout and did not disappoint.

Shaking off the rust in Tulsa

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Christopher Bell didn’t jump straight into the Chili Bowl; first, he made his return to dirt racing at the Tulsa Shootout, a precursor to the main event. The Shootout not only gave Bell a chance to get back in the groove but also set the stage for a fiery showdown with longtime rival Kyle Larson.

The Non-Wing Outlaw feature saw Bell and Larson go head-to-head in what can only be described as a dirt racing masterclass. For 55 laps, the two duked it out, trading the lead and pushing each other to the limit.

The finish? Pure edge-of-your-seat drama. Larson, ever the showman, tried a wall ride straight out of Ross Chastain’s playbook to steal the win. But Bell, cool as ever, held his line and edged Larson at the checkered flag.

After the race, Bell was quick to show his gratitude. “I’ve got four words: ‘Thank you, Joe Gibbs!'” he said. Larson, never one to shy away from a compliment, added, “I’m happy that he’s allowed to run dirt cars again because the sport needs it.”

This wasn’t just a warm-up for Bell—it was a statement. Despite two years away from dirt racing, he hasn’t lost a step.

“Oh my gosh, man. I live for moments like that,” Bell said after his Tulsa Shootout win. “Driving these race cars, especially here at Tulsa, there’s nothing else like it.”

There’s something poetic about Bell’s return to the Chili Bowl. For years, fans have missed the battles between him and Larson on the dirt. These two have been rivals since their teenage years, and every time they race, it feels like they’re putting on a show just for the fans.

The Chili Bowl Nationals, which runs January 13-18, promises to be the ultimate stage for this rivalry to play out. Held at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, the event is often called the “Super Bowl of Midget Racing,” and for good reason. It’s the crown jewel of dirt track racing, drawing over 15,000 fans and the best drivers in the world.

For Bell, the Chili Bowl is about coming back home. It’s about reconnecting with the sport and the fans who’ve supported him every step of the way. And for those of us watching, it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with racing in the first place. Bell’s back, the Chili Bowl is stacked, and the stage is set. Bring on the dirt.