“Glad to have you back”: Fans react as Christopher Bell triumphs on his dirt-racing return overpowering Kyle Larson in a thrilling Tulsa Shootout win

Fans celebrated as Christopher Bell won the Outlaw Non-Wing Golden Driller in the Tulsa Shootout after fighting an intense battle against Kyle Larson. This is the first time that Joe Gibbs Racing drivers have been allowed to race in the dirt since the management relaxed their restrictions.

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson shared a very close battle during the closing stages of the Tulsa Shootout and the race ended in a photo finish for both drivers. It was Bell who managed to remain ahead and won the race, and with it, the Outlay Non-Wing Golden Driller.

Larson kept closing up on Bell during the final stages of the race. He took quite a unique racing line, but it ultimately worked for him as the two drivers almost went wheel-to-wheel on the final corner. However, Bell managed to put his 21X sprint car in a much better position and had a better exit than Larson, awarding him the victory.

This was met with high praise on social media. Fans appreciated Bell for his phenomenal performance during the race. Like this user wrote:

"What a finish! Glad to have you back @CBellRacing!"

"C Bell is going to be a @NASCAR champion in the next 3 seasons. Mark my words," a user claimed.

"One spot short…….. Congrats Christopher Bell……. Hell of a run !!!!!!" Another fan appreciated him.

Some fans also thanked Joe Gibbs Racing for allowing their drivers to race in the dirt this season, which gave drivers like Christopher Bell the ticket to battle it out in the Tulsa Shootout.

"Thank you Joe Gibbs," a fan wrote.

"Thank you Ty Gibbs for wanting to race dirt because if he didn’t want to this probably doesn’t happen," another fan expressed their gratitude.

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Christopher Bell thanks Joe Gibbs after winning in the Tulsa Shootout

As mentioned, Joe Gibbs Racing did not allow their drivers to race in dirt track racing to protect them from possible injuries (that are quite common when not racing on smooth asphalt) and to keep their commitment and focus clearly on NASCAR. However, earlier in November, the team reversed this decision and allowed their drivers to hit the dirt.

As Christopher Bell, who has been racing for the team in the Cup Series since the 2021 season, won the Golden Driller, he thanked Joe Gibbs for allowing him to get into the competition.

"I've got four words: 'Thank you Joe Gibbs!'," he said after winning the race.

Joe Gibbs Racing's decision to allow their drivers to race in the dirt is thought to have been influenced by Ty Gibbs and Christopher Bell's rich background in dirt racing.