Kyle Larson, driving the #5 for Hendrick Motorsports, is widely regarded as one of the most talented and accomplished racers in the world.
While he has achieved significant success in NASCAR Cup Series, including a Cup Series Championship in 2021, Larson's passion for dirt racing remains to be a core part of his identy.
Larson was born in Alk Grove, California, and started racing in go-karts before moving to Sprint Car and Midget Car racing and began to make a name for himself. He continues to compete in sprint car and midget racing in the NASCAR off season, thanks to his versatility and adaptability.
Christopher Bell, the driver of the #20 for Joe Gibbs Racing, is another one known for his versatility and adaptability and has made for himself in motorsports. He was born in Norman, Oklahama, and rose through the ranks of midget and sprint car racing, winning multiple championships and prestigious events.
He successfully transitioned to NASCAR with Joe Gibbs racing where he secured his first NASCAR Cup Series win in 2021. But Bell remains an ardent compettitior in dirt racing where he regularly races in major midget car and sprint car events? showcasing his immensely diverse skill set that makes him one of the biggest fan favorites in motorsports.
Both drivers are known for their versatility and are regular competitors on dirt tracks as well. Bell and Larson have had exceptional careers on dirt tracks that have helped shape their NASCAR success. So, let's see how Christopher bell's record compares to Kyle Larson's in dirt track racing.
Larson vs Bell: Sprint Car Racing
Kyle Larson is widely considered one of the best sprint car drivers of his generation. His aggressive driving style and exceptional car control on dirt tracks have earned him over 50 wins, along with victories in marquee events like the Knoxville Nationals in 2019.
Larson has established himself as the benchmark for sprint car excellence, consistently outperforming the competition in some of the most prestigious events in dirt racing. Larson has 37 wins in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, 29 in All Star Circuit of Champions and four in USAC National Sprint Car races.
Meanwhile, Christopher Bell's most notable sprint car accomplishment came with his 2017 victory in the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals. But he has also shown his prowess in World of Outlaws events, where his ability to challenge top-tier drivers like Larson has solidified his place among the sport’s elite.
While Bell may not have the same volume of sprint car wins as Larson, he's afierce competitor renowned for his ability to find speed and consistency on any track. Christopher bell has three wins in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
Kyle Larson vs Christopher Bell: Midget Car Racing
In the world of midget car racing, the rivalry between Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson stands out as one of the most exciting and closely contested ones in dirt track motorsports. Both drivers have proven themselves to be elite in the discipline.
Kyle Larson wiith his aggressive yet calculated driving style, combined with exceptional car control, has earned him numerous midget wins.
Larson's performances at the Chili Bowl Nationals, where he has finished near the front of the pack multiple times, which underscore his dominance in the midget ranks. Larson has won the Chili Bowls Nationals twice (2021, 2022).
Meanwhile, Bell's rise to prominence in midget racing was swift, thanks to his smooth driving style, technical precision and ability to adapt to different tracks.
He has won multiple prestigious midget racing events, including back-to-back USAC National Midget Championships (2017, 2018), and is particularly renowned for his victory in the 2017 Chili Bowl Nationals.
Bell arguably holds the edge when it comes to wins at the Chilli Bowl Nationals, where he has claimed victory thrice (2017, 2018, 2019).
Kyle Larson has had the more dominant career in dirt racing overall, but Christopher Bell has built a career of equal measure in midget racing and is a rising star in both dirt and NASCAR circles.
While Larson may be the more decorated driver in terms of sprint car wins, Bell's rise through the ranks of midget racing, particularly at the Chilli Bowl and consistent performances in various dirt car disciplines show that he's more than just a rival—he's a force to be reckoned with.