Christopher Bell’s return to the World of Outlaws after three years away from the series couldn’t have gone better.
Bell’s Joe Gibbs Racing NASCAR team recently lifted a ban on dirt track racing for its drivers and staff and the Oklahoman wasted no time getting dirty.
He entered this year’s Chili Bowl Nationals, but had to settle for a 10th place finish as fellow Cup Series driver Kyle Larson took the win to tie Bell with three victories at the event.
But when the two faced off again at Florida’s Volusia Speedway in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature, Bell came out on top.
Read Also: NASCAR TO GIVE POINTS FOR FASTEST LAPS AND IT’S FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Bell started from pole but lost the lead to Emerson Axsom early in the 25-lap event. Axsom then took control of the race until he lost control of his car and spun out with four laps to go, bringing out a caution. That opened the door for Bell to move into the front and line up alongside Larson for a three-lap sprint to the checkered flag.
Read Also: THE 24 HOURS OF NASCAR? ONE CUP SERIES DRIVER WANTS IT TO HAPPEN
The pair showcased their signature styles, with Bell staying low and Larson running the cushion, but Bell had an answer for everything Larson threw at him and held on for his first World of Outlaws win since 2019.
“I heard him out there the entire time,” Bell said during his post-race interview. “It was a hell of a race, I had a lot of fun.”
SUBSCRIBE TO THE AMERICAN CARS AND RACING YOUTUBE CHANNEL
The two will be facing off in Florida again next week, but at a very different track as they head to Daytona International Speedway for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 16.