SHOCKING:Kyle Larson makes bold statement about Christopher Bell after Las Vegas

Kyle Larson barely held off a hard-charging Christopher Bell for the victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but it could have been much uglier. Bell could have made things dirty in the final corner but kept the No. 20 car clean and raced it out with Larson. While it didn’t work for the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion has a chance at another title.

Larson and Bell have undoubtedly butted heads in the past, including after Watkins Glen International in 2021 when the two went back and forth through the media. However, following the race at Las Vegas, Larson talked about Bell and there was nothing but a glowing review about his abilities.

“I definitely have a ton of respect for (Christopher Bell),” Larson said. “Always have. In my opinion, he’s one of the best race car drivers in the world, and could do everything that I get to do outside of NASCAR if his team (Joe Gibbs Racing) would let him.”

“It’s just fun to get to battle with a guy like that. I knew his car was going to be good the whole race. I got to lead right off the bat, then he was better than me there the first run. I knew he was going to be the guy to beat probably all race.”

The two drivers go back a long way as they have battled in dirt racing and now the Cup Series. Larson came out on top this time but it is clear that respect is shown both ways. For now, the Hendrick Motorsports driver will prepare for the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway while Bell looks to join him with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend.