Christopher Bell is preparing to break new ground at the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa as both owner and driver, embracing a role that fulfills a long-held dream. This moment marks a major milestone in Bell’s career and the world of midget racing, showcasing his evolution from an aspiring local racer to an established figure in both NASCAR and the dirt tracks.
From Childhood Inspiration to Multi-Role Competitor
As a young fan, Christopher Bell was captivated by the speed and excitement of midget car racing at the Chili Bowl Nationals, never imagining that he would one day become not only a three-time winner but also the owner of his own team. Years after watching legends at the event, Bell now embodies the very path he once admired from the sidelines, taking the reins both behind the wheel and in the shop.
Bell’s journey saw him dominate the Chili Bowl in elite equipment supplied by Keith Kunz, conquering the event with back-to-back victories from 2017 to 2019. Now, with the arrival of the 2026 edition, he returns as the architect of his own fate.
Bell Reflects on His New Responsibilities
Speaking openly ahead of the event, Bell shared the intensity and emotion of stepping into the unfamiliar role of owner-driver:
“I’m super excited about building midgets for the first time in my life, and being a car owner at the Chili Bowl. Something that’s, as a young kid, I never thought that it would happen,”
Bell admitted, his words coming out in a heartfelt rush.
He underlined the unlikeliness of his journey, stating,
“I never thought I’d be here,”
a nod to his earlier successes as a driver and now the fulfillment of a new dream.
With his passion for dirt racing ignited from childhood, Bell’s trajectory changed after establishing himself at the Chili Bowl. Ownership became a natural next step, influenced by time spent managing micro sprints with his father-in-law after relocating to Charlotte. Reflecting on this progression, Bell recalled:
“I had come to a different point in my life where I’m like, okay, you know what? I have conquered driving the Chili Bowl,”
he said, pointing to his readiness to embrace new challenges in the sport.
Stepping up as a builder and owner has not been without its challenges. The burden of responsibility is clear in Bell’s words:
“It’s gonna be more stress than just driving. I gotta drive good, and on top of that, the car’s gotta handle good. The wheels can’t fall off.”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
Despite the obvious pressure, Bell is embracing the experience with a balanced perspective:
“I’m at a point in my career where if I go there and I never win another Chili Bowl, I’m satisfied. I’m just going there for fun.”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
Bell’s attitude is a testament to his maturity both as a competitor and as a person, highlighting the pride of achievement and the excitement of chasing new goals.
Chili Bowl’s Community and Bell’s Place Among the Stars
This year, Christopher Bell’s entry as the No. 21CB car, now under his sole management, is officially on the roster for the Race of Champions, joining other marquee drivers including two-time champion Kyle Larson. Bell’s third victory at the 2025 Race of Champions solidifies his credentials heading into the new season, making him one of the primary focal points of competition and fan attention.
During his years with the Keith Kunz Motorsports team, Bell benefitted from unparalleled reliability and expertise—something he acknowledges candidly:
“Whenever you show up in a Keith Kunz car, the car’s gonna be good.”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
Transitioning into ownership means taking on far more than just the driving role. Bell will now be fully responsible for preparation, setup, strategy decisions, and the countless fine details required to field a premier entry in one of the world’s most challenging midget races. This will serve as an intense test of his skills and resolve as the NASCAR season looms in the background.
Ultimately, Bell sees this milestone as a fulfillment of a lifelong ambition. With the Chili Bowl serving as the launchpad for his broader racing success, he acknowledged the deep roots of his passion:
“It really is a huge part of why I am where I am today,”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
Comparing the Chili Bowl to the Daytona 500
With his new dual role, Bell has sparked discussion among racing fans and NASCAR traditionalists by putting the Chili Bowl above the famed Daytona 500 in terms of prestige and significance. Before his owner-driver debut, Bell offered insight into why the Chili Bowl resonates so deeply with participants and enthusiasts alike:
“The Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the NASCAR schedule. But it’s only the NASCAR guys. Whereas anybody can enter the Chili Bowl,”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
He elaborated on the inclusive spirit and competitive breadth of the event, adding:
“So, it’s kind of a barometer for drivers where everybody is there. You get a lot of top drivers from different disciplines and people who don’t compete against each other all the time. It’s a great show.”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
This impartial approach draws competitors from different branches of motorsport, fostering a level field where skill prevails over equipment or team budgets. Bell noted how the Chili Bowl compensates for the luck factor inherent in super speedway events like the Daytona 500:
“But the Daytona 500, or really any superspeedway race… It’s very much a game of chess. You’re not the edge of grip… It’s all about timing, being in the right place at the right time.”
– Christopher Bell, Owner-Driver
These comments emphasize his appreciation of precision and control required in midget racing, contrasting it with the unpredictable, tactical style of top-tier NASCAR competitions. This comparison also reinforces how the Chili Bowl is widely regarded as a proving ground, pitting champions such as Kyle Larson and Bell against each other in a setting that demands excellence.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Bell’s Owner-Driver Move
Christopher Bell’s decision to debut as an owner-driver at the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals stands as a turning point for his career, setting a new standard for versatility and ambition in dirt racing. Taking on such heightened responsibility showcases Bell’s willingness to evolve, while inspiring others in the racing community to follow suit. With icons like Kyle Larson also in the mix, rivalries and friendships among dirt-track and NASCAR drivers continue to deepen, strengthening the crossover appeal for fans.
As the spotlight intensifies in Tulsa and the opening NASCAR events draw near, Bell’s new challenge is expected to capture the imagination of fans, young drivers, and fellow competitors. Whether or not he adds another victory to his Chili Bowl tally, Christopher Bell’s journey from dreaming fan to owner-driver serves as a powerful story within motorsports, shining a light on the value of chasing new goals and welcoming greater responsibility.
🌶 @CBellRacing heads back to the #ChiliBowl in a role he’s never had before at the event.
He spoke to us about building a program from the ground up during our #RoadtotheChiliBowl presented by @Chilis. pic.twitter.com/QtuSy1NqF3
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 10, 2026
