The final stages of the 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals delivered drama and heartbreak as NASCAR stars battled through the grueling alphabet soup to secure a spot in the prestigious A-Main. While Christopher Bell and Tanner Day earned their tickets to Saturday night’s feature, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Chase Crews fell short in their quests to advance.
Bell Dominates to Advance
Three-time Chili Bowl champion Christopher Bell continued to showcase his mastery on dirt, winning his B-Main in convincing fashion to punch his ticket to the A-Main. Bell, who entered the week as one of the favorites, controlled the race from start to finish, ensuring he remains a top contender for another Golden Driller.
“Getting to the A-Main is always a battle,” Bell said after his B-Main victory. “The competition here is second to none, and I’m excited to have another shot at the big one. Saturday night is going to be intense.”
Bell’s performance keeps him in the hunt for his fourth Chili Bowl title, cementing his place among the sport’s elite dirt racers.
Tanner Day Makes the A-Main
Tanner Day also impressed in his B-Main, navigating a stacked field to secure his spot in the A-Main. Day’s consistent performances throughout the week have earned him a well-deserved place among the final 24 competitors, and he’ll look to carry that momentum into Saturday night’s main event.
“Making the A-Main at the Chili Bowl is a dream come true,” Day said. “This is the biggest stage in dirt racing, and I’m honored to be part of it. I can’t wait to line up with the best and give it everything I’ve got.”
Heartbreak for Stenhouse and Crews
For Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the night ended in disappointment as he came up one spot short of advancing out of the B-Main. The NASCAR regular and accomplished dirt racer put up a valiant effort but was unable to crack the top finishers.
“It’s tough to come that close and not make it,” Stenhouse admitted. “But that’s the Chili Bowl—it’s the toughest race of the year for a reason. I’ll be back next year to try again.”
Chase Crews’ Chili Bowl run ended in dramatic fashion when he flipped during his B-Main. While the incident ended his chances of advancing, Crews walked away uninjured and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete.
“This week didn’t end how I wanted it to, but I learned so much racing here,” Crews said. “The Chili Bowl is an experience like no other, and I’ll take what I learned and come back stronger.”
With Bell and Day advancing to the A-Main, NASCAR fans will have plenty to cheer for on Saturday night. Both drivers face a stacked field of dirt racing’s best, including Kyle Larson, as they vie for the coveted Golden Driller.
The Chili Bowl Nationals conclude Saturday night with the A-Main, streaming live on FloRacing (subscription required). Fans can expect intense action as the top 24 drivers battle for dirt racing supremacy.
