Christopher Bell delivered a commanding performance at the Tulsa Expo Center on Monday, securing another Christopher Bell Chili Bowl victory at the prestigious Race of Champions. The NASCAR Cup Series regular, hailing from Norman, Oklahoma, further solidified his impressive record at the event by claiming his fourth win.
Bell Adds to Collection in Tulsa with Dominant Run
This latest win saw Bell continue his streak of success at the Chili Bowl Nationals, an event renowned for drawing top talent from both dirt and pavement racing. Piloting the Rheem-backed No. 21, Bell set the pace early by posting the fastest qualifying lap before drawing the pole position for the Race of Champions.
Unlike prior years, where Bell drove for powerhouse outfits such as Keith Kunz Motorsports or CB Industries, this time he entered the competition in his own midget car. Bell and his crew—including his father-in-law—worked tirelessly to prepare the entry after returning from the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway in November. Their efforts were rewarded as Bell led every lap, securing an impressive wire-to-wire victory.
“It wasn’t easy, but @CBellRacing goes wire-to-wire for back-to-back Race of Champions victories at the #ChiliBowl powered by @NosEnergyDrink! pic.twitter.com/PrT5EuGicT” — FloRacing (@FloRacing)
Racing Solo Adds Pressure and Reward
Battling without the support of a major ‘superteam’ brought a new level of complexity and pressure for Bell. He described the emotional toll of fielding his own entry, recounting the tension before the race and the satisfaction of winning as an owner-driver.
“It just makes everything a lot more stressful,”
explained Bell after his victory, reflecting on the challenges and responsibilities of competing in a car assembled and maintained by himself and his family. He elaborated on the heightened anxiety and eventual payoff:
“I was about ready to puke before the race, wondering if it’s right, if it’s wrong, what are we doing? I think it just makes it a lot more rewarding, and last year, when I won that [Tulsa Shootout] in my Micro [Sprint], I was like this is the enjoyment you get from being part of the whole process.”
Joining Chili Bowl Legends with Fourth Trophy
With this latest triumph, Bell now shares the record for the most Race of Champions wins at the Chili Bowl Nationals with fellow legend Sammy Swindell. Despite his success in this feature, Bell noted he has yet to win the Race of Champions and the Saturday A-main in the same year—a personal goal he continues to chase.
“I’ve been so fortunate to come here with Keith Kunz Motorsports, with Chad Boat and drive amazing racecars with great crew chiefs, and it’s just a lot different when it’s all on you,”
Bell remarked, acknowledging his previous experiences with top teams and the unique satisfaction of succeeding on his own terms.
Race Recap and Standout Performances
Shane Golobic mounted a late charge, attempting to close the gap on Bell during the final laps as the leader navigated lapped traffic. Ultimately, Golobic had to settle for second place, with Logan Seavy claiming third. The rest of the top ten included Ryan Timms in fourth, Spencer Bayston in fifth, and strong showings from Tanner Thorson, defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, Emerson Axsom, Daison Pursley, and Michael Pickens.
The event was nearly incident-free, save for a dramatic moment when NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Corey Day flipped his No. 4 while vying for a top-ten spot. Further down the order, Jesse Love, who holds the title of NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, finished sixteenth, while ARCA Menards Series part-timer Kaylee Bryson took twentieth.
Significance of Bell’s Win and the Road Ahead
Christopher Bell’s accomplishment at the Chili Bowl Nationals underscores his versatility and commitment to racing at the highest level across multiple disciplines. Achieving this Christopher Bell Chili Bowl victory as both driver and team owner amplifies the emotional intensity and significance of the triumph. With his fourth Race of Champions trophy, Bell cements his place among the event’s all-time greats and demonstrates the enduring allure and competitive spirit of grassroots motorsports.
Attention now turns to whether Bell can capture both the Race of Champions and the main event in one year, a feat yet to be achieved in his standout career. Enthusiasts will be watching closely as the Chili Bowl Nationals continue in Tulsa, showcasing both rising stars and established champions.
It wasn't easy, but @CBellRacing goes wire-to-wire for back-to-back Race of Champions victories at the #ChiliBowl powered by @NosEnergyDrink! pic.twitter.com/PrT5EuGicT
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 13, 2026
