On Monday at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, Christopher Bell wins Race of Champions with a commanding performance, leading the O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions from start to finish. This marks Bell’s fourth victory in this prestigious event, bringing home a significant cash prize and further solidifying his status as a top driver.
Bell’s Flawless Drive Secures Fourth Career Win
Christopher Bell’s latest achievement came as he controlled the 25-lap O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year, Bell competed as an owner-driver for the first time in this special feature, piloting his PristineAuction.com No. 21cb car to an early lead. Thanks to a fast qualifying time, Bell started from pole position and quickly pulled ahead, showing remarkable pace throughout the race.
Competitors like Shane Golobic and Spencer Bayston attempted to keep up during the intense contest, but Bell maintained his composure, even as the field spread out behind him. A brief caution period on Lap 7 involving Corey Day momentarily bunched the drivers, but no one could challenge Bell’s dominance at the front.
Thrilling Finish Despite Late Pressure
As the laps counted down, Bell encountered significant traffic, allowing second-place Shane Golobic to close the gap to under half a second. Golobic made efforts to overtake during these tense final laps, but Bell remained unyielding, ultimately securing the win by just 0.419 seconds. Logan Seavey took third, passing Ryan Timms, and Spencer Bayston finished fifth. The intense battle among the leaders kept the outcome uncertain until the final lap.
Prizes and Special Achievements
Along with adding another trophy to his collection, Christopher Bell earned $3,224 for his efforts, with an extra $224 for leading the pivotal “Race For Chase White Flag,” a segment presented by the Ultimate Sprint Car Series. The reward underscored the importance of both speed and strategy, especially in a field where every second and every lap could be decisive.
This win was especially meaningful for Bell as it was his first as an owner-driver in this contest, an accomplishment that reflects both his engineering expertise and racing skill. His list of previous victories at this event includes triumphs in 2025, 2021, and 2020, showcasing a sustained period of excellence at the top level of midget car racing.
Results and Race Recap
This year’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions featured an entry list of 24 drivers, with 23 actually lining up to race. The qualifying session saw Bell top the timesheets, narrowly edging out Spencer Bayston and Logan Seavey. The final standings after 25 laps were as follows:
1. 21CB – Christopher Bell
2. 17W – Shane Golobic
3. 39 – Logan Seavey
4. 71 – Ryan Timms
5. 1S – Spencer Bayston
6. 88T – Tanner Thorson
7. 1K – Kyle Larson
8. 39A – Emerson Axsom
9. 86 – Daison Pursley
10. 54NZ – Michael Pickens
11. 71K – Cannon McIntosh
12. 57W – Landon Brooks
13. 87 – Justin Grant
14. 67 – Jacob Denney
15. 39G – Kyle Cummins
16. 2 – Jesse Love
17. 27X – Kalib Henry
18. 21AU – Kaidon Brown
19. 1 – Sammy Swindell
20. 11F – Kaylee Bryson
21. (DNF) 19R – Ricky Thornton Jr
22. (DNF) 12H – Sam Hafertepe Jr
23. (DNF) 41 – Corey Day
Legacy and Significance in the Racing Community
Christopher Bell’s victory adds his name to an esteemed group of racers who have excelled at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions. Notable past winners include Logan Seavey, Spencer Bayston, Justin Grant, Tanner Thorson, Chad Boat, Kyle Larson, Sammy Swindell, Kevin Swindell, and Brad Loyet. Bell’s continued presence among such accomplished drivers emphasizes his reputation in Oklahoma and across the national racing scene.
This event forms part of the lead-up to the annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink, which will be held at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from January 12-17, 2026. The Chili Bowl Nationals consistently draw some of the best drivers from the world of midget car racing, and anticipation is already growing for next year’s showdown.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Bell and the Racing Series
As the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals approach, competitors and fans alike keep a keen eye on drivers like Christopher Bell, whose recent success underscores his strong form heading into the marquee event. Updates and coverage for the Chili Bowl Nationals will be available across multiple channels, ensuring that those unable to attend in person will still have comprehensive access to results and highlights.
Christopher Bell’s dominant display at the Race of Champions not only reaffirms his place at the top of midget car racing but also heightens excitement for the fast-approaching Chili Bowl Nationals, where a new chapter in racing history awaits.
