Honestly, if you were looking for a high-speed Cup Series chase on asphalt this past Sunday, January 11, 2026, you probably noticed the big tracks were surprisingly quiet. That’s because the "real" NASCAR action wasn’t happening in Daytona or Charlotte. It was happening in the dirt.
While the official Cup Series season doesn't kick off its points-paying schedule until February, Sunday was the massive lead-up to the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is where the world’s best stock car drivers strip away the fenders and the high-tech aerodynamics to see who actually has the best hands. This past Sunday served as the unofficial "Arrival Day" for the heavy hitters, and the results from the preliminary action and the surrounding dirt series have basically set the tone for the entire 2026 landscape.
The Big Winner on the Dirt: Christopher Bell and the Chili Bowl Pre-Game
Technically, the "Sunday race" in the world of NASCAR drivers wasn't a Cup event, but a statement of dominance by Christopher Bell. Bell, who drives the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, absolutely owned the spotlight as the Chili Bowl week kicked off.
Bell secured a massive flag-to-flag victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions. This isn't just some local hobbyist race; it's an invite-only sprint featuring the elite of the elite. Bell didn't just win; he dominated, holding off a charging Shane Golobic to take his fourth Race of Champions title.
What makes this Sunday's result so interesting for NASCAR fans is that Bell is now doing it as an owner-driver. He’s calling the shots on his own equipment, which adds a whole layer of stress most Cup drivers try to avoid during their "off-season."
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Kyle Larson's Sunday Shadow
You can't talk about Sunday's racing without mentioning Kyle Larson. The reigning 2025 Cup Series champion was right there in the mix, though he didn't take the trophy on Sunday. Larson finished seventh in that same Race of Champions, but he didn't stay down for long—he came back the following day to win his Monday preliminary.
The rivalry between Bell and Larson on the dirt is basically the preamble to what we’re going to see on the asphalt in a few weeks. If Sunday proved anything, it’s that these two are the ones to beat in 2026.
Why the NASCAR Schedule Looks Different This Year
A lot of people were searching for "who won the Sunday NASCAR race" expecting to see a result from a 1.5-mile oval. Here’s the deal: NASCAR has shifted the 2026 schedule to allow for a more condensed, high-impact start to the year.
The first actual Cup Series engines you'll hear in a competitive setting won't be until February 1, 2026, for the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
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Yes, you read that right. The Clash has moved from the LA Coliseum to the legendary "Madhouse" in Winston-Salem. It’s a 0.25-mile flat track that is notorious for tempers and paint-swapping. Sunday, January 11, was essentially the last "quiet" Sunday for the teams before the chaos of the 2026 season begins in earnest.
Major Changes for the 2026 Season
If you're wondering why everyone is so hyped for the upcoming month, it's because 2026 is bringing some of the biggest shifts we've seen in a decade:
- The Return of the Chase: NASCAR officially announced they are moving back to a "Chase" style championship format, moving away from some of the playoff complexities of previous years.
- New Chevy Body: Chevrolet just unveiled a brand-new body style for the ZL1. Sunday’s "lack" of a race was actually a frantic day of wind-tunnel testing and simulator work for the Chevy teams.
- Driver Shuffles: We’re seeing Corey Day move into his first full season with Hendrick Motorsports, and the buzz around the garage this past weekend was all about whether the rookie can handle the pressure.
Looking Ahead: The Road to the Daytona 500
Since there wasn't a traditional Cup race this past Sunday, the focus has shifted entirely to the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15, 2026.
The "Roar Before the 24" starts this coming weekend (January 16-18), which brings the IMSA crowd to Daytona. Many of your favorite NASCAR drivers, including Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain, are expected to pull double duty or at least be in the building.
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If you're looking for concrete numbers to bet on for the early season, look at the "dirt guys." Historically, drivers who perform well in the January dirt races (like Bell and Larson) carry that momentum directly into the Florida duels.
What You Should Do Next
If you're feeling the itch for racing and Sunday's lack of a Cup result let you down, here is how you can get your fix before the Daytona 500:
- Watch the Chili Bowl Finals: The Saturday night finale (January 17) is the Super Bowl of Midget racing. It’s where you’ll see Bell and Larson go head-to-head for the Golden Driller trophy.
- Mark February 1st: Set your DVR for the Bowman Gray Clash. It’s going to be a 200-lap wreck-fest on a tiny track, and it’s the first time the Cup cars will officially be on track for 2026.
- Check the Season Previews: NASCAR is releasing team-by-team previews all this week. Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is up today, and Trackhouse is coming on the 19th.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be a year of transition. While the "Sunday winner" might have been a dirt specialist in Tulsa this time around, the big boys are only a few weeks away from the high banks of Daytona.