Honestly, if you were looking for the roar of Cup Series engines at a massive superspeedway last night, you might have been a little confused checking the TV guide. We’re currently in that weird "limbo" part of January where the primary NASCAR season hasn’t technically started yet. But for the hardcore fans and the drivers who just can’t stay out of a seat, last night was all about the clay.
Christopher Bell absolutely stole the show last night, January 15, 2026, by winning the Thursday night preliminary feature at the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. "That's not a Cup race." You're right. But in the world of stock car racing, the Chili Bowl is basically the winter Olympics for NASCAR stars. Bell, who drives the No. 20 for Joe Gibbs Racing on Sundays, wasn't just driving; he was "crew chiefing" his own car. He started eighth. Most people thought he was buried. Then, a late caution changed everything, and he sliced through the field like it was nothing.
The Dirt Master: How Christopher Bell Won Last Night
It was kinda wild to watch. For the first twenty-some laps, Bell looked like he was struggling just to keep pace with the leaders. He was running a distant fifth, and the gap was widening. Then the yellow flag flew with seven laps to go.
That was the reset he needed.
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When the green flag dropped for the final sprint, Bell looked like a totally different driver. He moved past C.J. Leary—who, interestingly enough, was driving for fellow NASCAR star Alex Bowman—and then hunted down Ryan Bernal. With three laps left, Bell dove to the inside in Turn 1 and never looked back.
This win is a big deal for a few reasons:
- It's Bell's ninth career preliminary night win, tying him with Kyle Larson.
- It officially locks him into the Championship A-Main this Saturday.
- He did it in his own equipment, which is a massive point of pride for these guys.
Basically, Bell proved why he’s considered one of the best "all-around" racers on the planet. He admitted after the race that without that caution, he probably wouldn't have caught the leaders. That’s the honesty you love to see in racing.
Where is the rest of the NASCAR field?
If you're wondering about the other big names, they've been busy in Tulsa too. Earlier this week, Kyle Larson took home the Monday night preliminary win. He’s already locked in for Saturday. Ty Gibbs and Sheldon Creed were out there on Tuesday, though they didn't have quite the same luck. Creed actually ended up in a nasty crash that’s going to make his path to the Saturday finale a total nightmare. He’s looking at starting way down in the "E-Mains," which is basically the basement of the event.
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You’ve gotta feel for JJ Yeley, too. He’s a veteran who knows these dirt tracks better than almost anyone, but his car just lost the handle in the Tuesday feature. He finished 10th and is heading to the C-Mains.
What happened to the actual Cup Series schedule?
Since we’re currently on January 16, the "real" NASCAR Cup Series season is still a few weeks away. If you’re marking your calendar, here is the immediate roadmap for the 2026 season:
- February 1: The Busch Light Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. This is an exhibition, but it counts for bragging rights.
- February 12: The Bluegreen Vacations Duels at Daytona. These are the qualifying races that set the field for the big show.
- February 15: The Daytona 500. This is the one everyone is waiting for.
NASCAR recently shook things up by moving the Clash to Bowman Gray, which is a legendary short track in North Carolina. It’s basically a bullring. Last year, Chase Elliott won it, and the expectations for 2026 are through the roof because of how tight and aggressive that racing is.
Why the Chili Bowl matters for NASCAR fans
You might wonder why we’re talking so much about a midget car race in a dirt arena when you asked about NASCAR. The truth is, the DNA of the sport is shifting back toward these roots. Most of the top-tier talent—Larson, Bell, Briscoe, Bowman—all grew up on dirt.
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Watching who won last night's race for NASCAR isn't just about the result; it’s about momentum. Bell is entering the 2026 Cup season with a chip on his shoulder after how 2025 ended. Seeing him dominate in Tulsa suggests he’s found a "flow state" that usually carries over once they get to Daytona.
Actionable Steps for the Race Fan
If you want to keep up with what's happening before the engines fire up in Daytona, here’s what you should do:
- Watch the Chili Bowl Finale: The big show is tomorrow night, Saturday, Jan 17. It's the "Saturday night in Tulsa" everyone talks about. You can stream it on FloRacing.
- Track the Entry Lists: Keep an eye on the entry lists for the Daytona 500. We’re starting to see "open" teams announce their drivers, and there are always a few surprises (like Tony Stewart’s recent rumors).
- Set Your DVR: Double-check your local listings for the Clash on February 1. It’s on FOX at 8 p.m. ET, and you don’t want to miss the chaos of a quarter-mile short track with 36 Cup cars.
Bell might have won the night in Tulsa, but the real war for the 2026 Championship is just getting started.