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Christopher Bell Edges Out Kyle Larson in Photo-Finish at Volusia Speedway’s World of Outlaws Opener

David Castro by David Castro
February 8, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 5 mins read
0
Christopher Bell Edges Out Kyle Larson in Photo-Finish at Volusia Speedway’s World of Outlaws Opener

Nov 10, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) pits during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Christopher Bell is proving yet again why he is one of the most dangerous men on dirt. The Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Cup Series star added another prestigious dirt racing trophy to his growing collection—this time, the coveted “Little Gator” trophy from the World of Outlaws season opener at Volusia Speedway Park. And in a thrilling, side-by-side battle to the checkered flag, Bell outdueled his long-time dirt-track rival Kyle Larson, snatching victory by a mere 0.05 seconds.

Coming off a triumphant return to dirt at the Tulsa Shootout, Bell has been unstoppable in open-wheel competition, even as the Daytona 500 looms just days away. With JGR officially lifting its long-standing restriction on dirt racing, Bell is making the most of his opportunity to return to his roots—and dominate in the process.


Bell Gets His Redemption After Early Week Struggles

Despite the thrilling win, Bell’s week at Volusia Speedway Park was far from smooth. A DNF and a flat tire earlier in the week had left him frustrated, but he bounced back in dominant fashion when it mattered most.

“I’ve been wanting one of these things for so long,” Bell told Matt Weaver after the race. “The first time I came here was 2014, and I thought this is, like, one of the coolest trophies. So, we got this one.”

It wasn’t an easy road. Bell had to fight his way through traffic, battle off challenges from rising dirt star Emerson Axsom, and then take on the biggest name in dirt track racing—Kyle Larson.


Final Restart Sets Up Epic Bell vs. Larson Duel

With just eight laps to go, Emerson Axsom spun out, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling duels dirt racing has seen in years.

Larson, in peak form, lined up alongside Bell for a final shootout to the finish. Both drivers have built their NASCAR Cup Series reputations on their dirt track dominance, and as expected, neither was willing to back down.

The two ran door-to-door for the final few laps, trading sliders and crossovers. As they approached the final turn, Larson gave it everything he had, but Bell was just one step ahead, crossing the line first in a dramatic photo finish—0.05 seconds ahead of Larson.

“I’m so thankful that my boss Joe Gibbs and everybody at Joe Gibbs Racing has allowed me to come out here and do this. It’s so much fun. Winning Outlaw races is my pride and joy.” – Christopher Bell


Joe Gibbs’ Green Light on Dirt Racing Fuels Bell’s Resurgence

Bell’s latest success on dirt wouldn’t have been possible without Joe Gibbs’ recent decision to lift the ban on JGR drivers competing in non-NASCAR events.

For years, Gibbs had prevented his Cup Series stars from participating in dirt races due to injury concerns. But with the arrival of Chase Briscoe in the JGR lineup and Ty Gibbs showing an interest in dirt, Gibbs finally gave his drivers the freedom to race outside of NASCAR.

Bell has seized the opportunity with both hands, delivering a stellar performance at the Tulsa Shootout, and now adding a World of Outlaws victory to his growing dirt track legacy.

“It truly is a dream come true to be racing out here.”


Larson Admits Bell Outplayed Him

For Kyle Larson, this one stings. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion is widely regarded as the greatest dirt racer of his generation, and it’s not often that he gets beaten at his own game.

But Bell’s race craft on the final restart proved too much, and even Larson admitted post-race that his longtime rival simply outsmarted him when it mattered.

“He got me,” Larson conceded.

With NASCAR’s biggest race, the Daytona 500, just days away, both Bell and Larson are carrying major momentum into stock car racing’s season opener. But for now, Bell owns bragging rights on dirt, and that might just be the fuel he needs to launch into a championship-contending Cup Series season.


Can Bell’s Dirt Success Carry Over to Daytona?

Bell has been electric on dirt this offseason, but can he carry that momentum to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway? The JGR driver is still seeking his first-ever Daytona 500 victory, and after a disappointing 2024 NASCAR season, he’s looking to rebound in a big way.

With Kyle Larson also chasing his first 500 win, don’t be surprised if these two dirt rivals find themselves battling again—this time, on the biggest stage in stock car racing.

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