Christopher Bell addresses Kyle Larson rivalry ahead of Daytona 500 Duels: 'It's real'

So far this NASCAR offseason, Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson have gone toe-to-toe multiple times. Now the season is starting. So, what is it about these two and is this a legitimate rivalry? You better believe it.

Christopher Bell is able to race outside of the Cup Series for the first time in three years. That produced an exciting two weeks in Tulsa as he competed in the Shootout and Chili Bowl this year.

In both events, Larson and Bell found themselves competing side-by-side. Then they went to Volusia for World of Outlaws action. Once again, they were running each other down for multiple nights.

Bell reflected on the rivalry ahead of tonight’s Duels at Daytona.

“It’s just, it’s ironic, right?” Bell said on the FOX Sports Raceday broadcast. “Like, there’s, we just show up at the Tulsa Shootout, there’s like literally 400 cars in this division, right? And it comes down to us, we run one-two, then at the Chili Bowl – I dropped the ball. I didn’t finish second to him, he won, but then we go to Volusia and two out of the four nights we run one-two again. So, I don’t know why.

“So, it’s real. I don’t know why. It always comes down to us, but it does feel that way.”

Don’t think these drivers don’t notice these things. Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson know that they are not just racing each other for wins. They are racing each other on a weekly basis for history.

Either one of them could be the dominant driver of their era. Not just when it comes to the Cup Series, but when it comes to dirt racing and being an overall multifaceted driver.

Christopher Bell embracing the Kyle Larson rivalry

Having Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson embracing the rivalry between the two of them is great for NASCAR. Now all we need is for these two to win a bunch of races, maybe get into a couple of wrecks or close moments together, and then we’ll be cooking with gas.

The more NASCAR has a chance to highlight this rivalry, the better. That means these drivers competing at a high level and being unafraid to be bold and aggressive on the track and against each other.

2025 feels like it could be a big year for the Cup Series overall. There are going to be a lot of fast drivers in the field, plenty of guys with new teams and crew chiefs. So, how does that end up shaking out in wins and points?

Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson are two of the most talented and exciting drivers in American motorsports right now. They have already shown it early this year on dirt. Now it is time to do the same on pavement.