The 2018 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa promised a dramatic showdown between rising NASCAR stars Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson. Ultimately, Christopher Bell took home the win at the Chili Bowl Nationals, but the victory was tinged with disappointment due to a key mechanical failure that sidelined his fiercest competitor and left fans yearning for what could have been.
The Highly Anticipated Bell-Larson Rivalry at Tulsa
In the lead-up to the 2018 Chili Bowl Nationals, Christopher Bell prepared to embark on his next chapter with Joe Gibbs Racing, stepping into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, while Kyle Larson had just wrapped up a successful season with Chip Ganassi Racing in the Cup Series. Both drivers arrived in Tulsa carrying the weight of high expectations, eager to face each other once again after a thrilling battle just weeks prior at Turkey Night, where Bell narrowly defeated Larson in a midget race. Throughout the week, both were standouts during qualifying and engaged in an intense on-track duel during the pole shootout, setting the stage for an electrifying Saturday night feature.
An Unfinished Showdown Defines the Main Event
The main event began with Christopher Bell seizing an early advantage, only to be slowed by heavy lapped traffic, which opened the door for Kyle Larson to capitalize and take the lead. However, with 13 laps remaining and the Chili Bowl crown within his grasp, Larson’s engine expired, forcing him out of the race and dashing his hopes to claim a victory that had long eluded him in Tulsa. This abrupt end to the much-anticipated duel left Bell to take the checkered flag, securing his second consecutive Chili Bowl win, but without the satisfaction of truly settling the score on the track.
“That’s the most disappointing thing about this year’s Chili Bowl is I wanted to race it out,” Bell said via ESPN. “I felt like it was going to be a really good show for the fans and it was going to be a lot of fun for us.… But, man, I’m disappointed. That’s the right word. I feel like Kyle got robbed, I got robbed and the fans got robbed.”
Bell’s words captured the bittersweet essence of the night—a fierce competitor not gloating in victory but rather lamenting a missed opportunity for a classic battle.
“That sucks,” Larson added. “I had a blown engine here before getting close to the lead. But leading … I guess I can deal with it since I’ve dealt with it now, it seems like, the last few months. Just a bummer.”
Larson’s misfortune meant he would once again leave Tulsa without the coveted Golden Driller trophy, despite being in strong contention.
The Standout Performances and Team Dominance
While Bell stood atop the podium, Rico Abreu secured second place, and Spencer Bayston completed the top three—all driving cars prepared by renowned team owner Keith Kunz. The performances by Bell, Abreu, Bayston, and Larson confirmed Kunz’s dominance in the midget racing world that evening. Each driver, a star in their own right, contributed to a memorable—but incomplete—showcase for fans, with hopefuls and favorites vying for national glory.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation for Future Rivalries
Eight years after this emotionally charged 2018 event, the Chili Bowl Nationals stage is once again set for a possible renewal of the Bell-Larson rivalry. In 2026, Larson enters as a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion with Hendrick Motorsports, and Bell is firmly established in the No. 20 car for Joe Gibbs Racing. Both are set to return to Tulsa, keenly aware of the unfinished business that lingers from their last decisive encounter at this storied event.
The contemporary Chili Bowl boasts a massive field and a deeper NASCAR presence, with more Cup-level and rising stock car drivers eager to match up against sprint car specialists and established dirt racers. As the event draws top names like Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, Rico Abreu, and hopeful newcomers, the prospect of finally witnessing the full spectacle of their rivalry builds excitement across the racing world.
The dramatic outcome of the 2018 Chili Bowl Nationals shaped the careers of both Bell and Larson, solidified Keith Kunz’s reputation as a leading team builder, and provided fans with a night of unforgettable highs and heartbreaks. As Tulsa again becomes the crossroads for champions, up-and-comers, and legends, all eyes will be on the Chili Bowl Nationals to see whether the rematch everyone wanted in 2018 finally comes to fruition.
