The Chili Bowl Nationals, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Midget Racing,” is a premier indoor midget car event held annually at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The 2025 edition, scheduled for January 13-18, has attracted over 350 drivers, including several notable figures from the NASCAR circuit.
NASCAR Drivers Participating in the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals:
• Kyle Larson: The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and two-time Chili Bowl winner (2020, 2021) returns for his 17th appearance. Larson’s prowess on dirt tracks is well-documented, and he recently secured victories in both the A-Class and Outlaw features at the 2025 Tulsa Shootout.
• Christopher Bell: A three-time consecutive Chili Bowl champion (2017-2019), Bell is making a much-anticipated return after a two-year hiatus. His absence was due in part to Joe Gibbs Racing’s previous restrictions on extracurricular racing, a policy that has since been lifted.
• Kyle Busch: The two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion is set to make his Chili Bowl debut in 2025. Despite limited experience in midget racing, Busch’s participation adds significant star power to the event.
• Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: With 17 prior Chili Bowl appearances and a best finish of seventh in 2021, Stenhouse Jr. brings a wealth of experience to the 2025 event. His consistent performances make him a competitor to watch.
• Ty Gibbs: The 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and current Cup Series driver is set to make his Chili Bowl debut. Gibbs recently ventured into dirt racing at the Turkey Night Grand Prix, signaling his commitment to diversifying his racing experience.
• Chase Briscoe: Joining Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2025 season, Briscoe is known for his versatility across racing disciplines. His participation in the Chili Bowl underscores his dedication to honing his craft on various platforms.
• J.J. Yeley: A veteran with 28 Chili Bowl appearances and eight championship feature qualifications, Yeley’s extensive experience in both NASCAR and midget racing positions him as a formidable contender.
• Brad Sweet: A former NASCAR driver and six-time consecutive World of Outlaws Sprint Car Champion (2019-2024), Sweet’s return to the Chili Bowl is highly anticipated. His dominance in sprint car racing and previous NASCAR experience make him a notable entrant.
• Todd Kluever: The 2005 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rookie of the Year, Kluever has a rich history in various NASCAR series and is a regular participant in the Chili Bowl Nationals. His diverse racing background adds depth to the competition.
• Glenn Styres: A driver-owner in the NASCAR Canada Series with over 54 sprint car wins, including multiple championships, Styres’ involvement in the Chili Bowl highlights the event’s international appeal.
• Dave Blaney: With over 450 NASCAR Cup Series starts and a 1993 Chili Bowl victory, Blaney’s return to the event after a long hiatus is a significant highlight for fans of both NASCAR and midget racing.
• Tony Stewart: A three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion and two-time Chili Bowl winner (2002, 2007), Stewart’s participation after a long hiatus adds a layer of excitement to the 2025 event.
• Logan Seavey: The defending Chili Bowl champion and USAC Triple Crown winner brings his ARCA racing experience to the competition, aiming to secure consecutive victories.
The convergence of NASCAR talent at the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals underscores the event’s prestige and the versatility of these drivers. Their participation not only elevates the competition but also bridges the gap between different racing disciplines, offering fans a unique spectacle of skill and speed.
As the event unfolds, enthusiasts can look forward to thrilling performances from these NASCAR stars, each bringing their unique expertise to the quarter-mile dirt track in Tulsa.
