The engines for the Cup Series might still be cold, but if you’re asking who won last week NASCAR fans have been buzzing about, the answer isn’t coming from a high-banked asphalt oval. It’s coming from the dirt.
Honestly, we are in that weird "limbo" part of the calendar. The 2025 season ended with Ryan Blaney taking the checkered flag at Phoenix and Kyle Larson hoisting his second Bill France Cup. But right now? The real action is happening in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
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The Short Answer: Christopher Bell Took the Win
While the official 2026 Cup Series schedule doesn't kick off until February at Bowman Gray Stadium, Christopher Bell is the man who won last week’s most high-profile event involving NASCAR stars.
On Monday night, January 12, 2026, Bell won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions at the Chili Bowl Nationals. This wasn't just a "show up and drive" situation. Bell was debuting as an owner-driver with his own equipment. He led all 25 laps from the pole.
Then he did it again.
On Thursday night, January 15, Bell secured his ninth career preliminary night victory. He didn't just win; he carved through the field from eighth place after a late caution gave him the opening he needed. If you were looking for a NASCAR driver standing in a victory lane last week, it was him.
Why the Chili Bowl Results Matter for 2026
You might think midget racing in a dirt arena has nothing to do with the Daytona 500. You'd be wrong.
Basically, the Chili Bowl is the "off-season" Olympics for NASCAR's elite. When we look at who won last week NASCAR regulars were all over the leaderboards. Kyle Larson—the reigning Cup champ—won his Monday preliminary feature in convincing fashion. However, Bell’s win in the Race of Champions was a statement. He beat the best dirt racers in the world, including his Cup Series rivals, while managing the stress of owning the car.
- Christopher Bell: Won Race of Champions (Monday) and A-Main Prelim (Thursday).
- Kyle Larson: Won A-Main Prelim (Monday) but flipped during the Saturday finale, ending his bid for another Driller.
- Corey Day: The Hendrick Motorsports newcomer finished sixth in his Wednesday prelim.
It is worth noting that while Bell and Larson dominated the early week, the actual "Golden Driller" trophy for the overall Chili Bowl title—which concluded Saturday night, January 17—is a different beast. But in terms of NASCAR names staying sharp, Bell is currently the hot hand.
Looking Ahead: When Does the Real NASCAR Season Start?
If you're asking about who won last week NASCAR because you're hungry for the Cup Series to return, the wait is almost over. We are currently in the final stretch of the off-season.
The 2026 season officially begins with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 8. This is a massive shift. For the last few years, we’ve been at the L.A. Coliseum. Now, we’re heading back to one of the most historic (and tightest) short tracks in the country.
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What to Expect at Bowman Gray
- Extreme Contact: It’s a quarter-mile track. There is nowhere to hide.
- Short Tempers: Because the track is so small, "bump and runs" are basically the only way to pass.
- New Faces: Keep an eye on Connor Zilisch and Corey Day. These kids are fast, and they don't have the "old guard" baggage.
Last year’s Clash winner was Chase Elliott, who handled the pressure of the historic return to short-track roots better than anyone. He’ll be the favorite heading into the 2026 opener, but don't count out Ryan Blaney, who finished a close second last time around.
The Impact of the New 2026 Format
Something most people are getting wrong about the upcoming season is how the wins will "count."
NASCAR recently announced a return to a more "Chase-style" format for 2026. This means the consistency Bell and Larson are showing right now in the dirt world might actually translate better to the new points system. In 2025, Larson won the title despite not leading a single lap in the finale. That kind of "luck-based" championship is exactly what the 2026 changes aim to fix.
Denny Hamlin, who led 208 laps in the 2025 finale only to lose it on a late caution, is probably the most vocal supporter of these tweaks. He’s looking for his first title, and 2026 might be his best shot with the new emphasis on season-long performance.
Practical Steps for NASCAR Fans This Week
If you want to stay ahead of the curve before the green flag drops at the Clash, do these three things:
- Watch the Chili Bowl Replays: Check out Bell’s Thursday night charge. It shows exactly why he’s a threat for the 2026 Cup title.
- Check the Bowman Gray Entry List: Several teams are running "mule" cars to test the new steering components required for the tight flat turns of the stadium.
- Update Your Fantasy Roster: With the format change, prioritize drivers with high "Average Running Position" stats rather than just "Win" stats.
The off-season is technically still here, but for Christopher Bell and the fans watching who won last week NASCAR stars' performances, the racing season has already begun.