The 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals kicked off at the SageNet Center in Tulsa on Monday, where Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson delivered standout performances, igniting intense excitement for Midget car racing’s top event. Both drivers, each with three Chili Bowl titles, reinforced their reputations by dominating their respective races, cementing their places among the favorites for this year’s championship and putting the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl Nationals narrative in the spotlight.
Larson Secures Preliminary Victory to Advance
Kyle Larson powered his way from fourth on the grid to claim victory in the opening 30-lap preliminary feature. By the tenth lap, Larson had surged to the front, despite facing steady challenges from Briggs Danner and Cannon McIntosh. Several caution flags, including one that resulted from contact with lapped competitor Gaige Weldon, allowed Larson to reestablish his lead. This win guarantees Larson a coveted spot in Saturday night’s 55-lap championship feature, repeating the pattern he set last year.
“My car felt good, and I was making decent decisions in traffic,”
Kyle Larson said.
“Then one lapper (Weldon) tried to rip back around me and then lane changed into (Turn) 3 and I tagged him. It kind of calmed the race down.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“It’s good to be back in position for Saturday.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Looking ahead, Larson expressed optimism about his chances for a second consecutive title, saying,
“I think if we can get a good draw for the Pole Shuffle like we did last year and put ourselves on the front row or second row, we’ll have a good shot.”
– Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Bell Triumphs in the Race of Champions as Owner-Driver
Earlier in the evening, Christopher Bell claimed his second straight O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions win and his first in his own car. The annual invite-only Race of Champions gathers top-tier drivers from across motorsports, making Bell’s win even more significant. Driving the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, he drew a favorable position and led the 25-lap contest from start to finish. Despite facing a determined challenge from Shane Golobic, Bell managed to hold onto his advantage and secure his fourth victory in the event—this one as both driver and team owner.
“This makes everything a whole lot more stressful,”
Bell said after clinching his first Midget car win of the event with his own equipment.
“I was about ready to puke before the race. I was like, ‘Is it right? Is it wrong? What are we doing?’”
– Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver/Owner
“I think it just makes the triumph so much more rewarding.”
– Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver/Owner
Significance of Early Track Time and Expectations for the Week
For Bell, the value of the Race of Champions went beyond the trophy. Extended track time on the SageNet Center’s challenging temporary clay oval, built specifically for this marquee event, gives drivers a crucial edge leading into the week’s main features. Bell assessed that the eventual Chili Bowl Nationals winner is likely to be among those who raced in Monday’s Race of Champions.
“The Race of Champions is the cream of the crop,”
Bell noted.
“It certainly feels like the Chili Bowl winner is going to come out of this race. It feels good to be on top. We’ll see. There is a lot of racing to unfold.”
– Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver/Owner
What’s Ahead at the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals
The Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink resumes Tuesday evening at the SageNet Center, with racing scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. ET and full coverage provided by FloRacing. With champions like Bell and Larson setting the early pace, the competition promises further drama and unpredictable outcomes as top racers and emerging talents battle through the week for Midget car racing’s most coveted title.
This year’s event not only highlights repeated champions such as Christopher Bell, Kyle Larson, and Shane Golobic, but also showcases the intense rivalries and dramatic moments that make the Chili Bowl Nationals a unique fixture in the motorsports world.
As the racing unfolds, all eyes remain on the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl Nationals storyline and the seasoned talents hoping to etch their names as champions of the 40th annual event inside the SageNet Center.
Back-to-back Monday victories for @KyleLarsonRacin after a great duel with @BriggsDanner78!
Both drivers lock into the Saturday A-Main for the 40th #ChiliBowl powered by @NosEnergyDrink. pic.twitter.com/Ng7j3poQQg
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 13, 2026
