Christopher Bell is on fire to start 2025, showing that his dirt racing dominance is far from over. After winning the Chili Bowl Nationals Race of Champions and the Non-Wing Outlaw Main Event at the Tulsa Shootout, Bell just outdueled Kyle Larson in a photo finish at the World of Outlaws points opener at Volusia Speedway Park.
🔹 Final Margin? 0.005 seconds.
🔹 Cash Prize? $12,000.
🔹 Who did he beat? His biggest dirt racing rival, Kyle Larson.
Bell’s thrilling side-by-side battle with Larson showcased two of the best dirt racers in the world, and it was Bell’s tactical adjustments that sealed the win.
Bell Outsmarts Larson in a Strategic Last-Lap Duel
Bell started on pole alongside Emerson Axsom, but the early lead didn’t last long. Axsom took the lead on Lap 6 before spinning out on Lap 22, handing Bell another shot at victory.
Then, enter Kyle Larson.
With two laps to go, Larson tagged Bell’s bumper, forcing him into a high-line slide. But Bell kept his composure, knowing exactly how his rival would react.
“I knew whatever I did, he was going to do the opposite. If I went up, he’d go down. If I went down, he’d go up.” – Christopher Bell
Instead of sticking to the high line, Bell took the bottom lane, hugging it tightly through the final turns. The move paid off, allowing Bell to hold off Larson by mere inches at the checkered flag.
“The last thing I wanted to do was miss and make a mistake. I committed myself to sliding across the drain floor, and it worked. He just didn’t have enough time to build up momentum.” – Bell
A Rivalry Rekindled – Bell vs. Larson
This battle felt like déjà vu for dirt racing fans. It mirrored Bell’s dramatic Tulsa Shootout victory against Larson just weeks ago. The difference? This time, Bell played the strategy game better, knowing that Larson would expect him to run high.
“I thought I did a pretty good job on that last restart, staying with him down the frontstretch,” said Larson. “I tried to build up speed, but it was just too far around the top.”
It was another bitter pill for Larson to swallow, as Bell once again got the upper hand in a big-money dirt race.
Bell’s Dirt Racing Return – A Busy 2025 Ahead
Despite being a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, Bell isn’t slowing down on the dirt. He’s making his return to dirt racing full-time in 2025, after nearly three years away from the scene.
With Joe Gibbs Racing lifting its dirt racing restrictions on drivers like Bell, expect to see more intense Larson vs. Bell showdowns this season.