The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals are set to bring the motorsports community together once again, with an exciting lineup of drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and ARCA taking on one of the most prestigious dirt racing events of the year. Held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Chili Bowl is a proving ground for dirt racing specialists and a favorite off-season challenge for drivers across various disciplines.
This year’s event will feature a diverse mix of talent, including NASCAR Cup Series champions, IndyCar stars, and rising talents from the ARCA Menards Series. Here’s a breakdown of which drivers will take the track each night during the week-long event.
Monday, January 8th
• Kyle Larson: The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion and two-time Chili Bowl winner returns to the event, aiming to add another Golden Driller trophy to his collection. Larson is one of the favorites, given his dominance on dirt tracks across the country.
• Brent Crews: The young ARCA driver and dirt racing prodigy will compete, showcasing his growing talent against a star-studded field.
Tuesday, January 9th
• Ty Gibbs: The 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion and current Cup Series driver for Joe Gibbs Racing will make his Chili Bowl debut. Known for his adaptability, Gibbs’ performance on dirt will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike.
Wednesday, January 10th
• JJ Yeley: A veteran of both NASCAR and dirt racing, Yeley is no stranger to the Chili Bowl. With years of experience, he remains a threat in the highly competitive field.
• Katherine Legge: The versatile driver, who has competed in IndyCar, sports cars, and NASCAR, adds her name to the Chili Bowl entry list for the first time, bringing her road racing expertise to the dirt arena.
• Taylor Reimer: An up-and-coming talent in dirt racing, Reimer continues to build her reputation at the Chili Bowl, racing against some of the best in the sport.
• Corey Day: A standout in dirt racing circles, Day is poised to make waves with his raw speed and skill.
Thursday, January 11th
• Josh Bilicki: The NASCAR journeyman takes on the Chili Bowl, looking to hone his skills and test his mettle against dirt racing specialists.
• Christopher Bell: A three-time Chili Bowl champion and one of NASCAR’s brightest stars, Bell returns as a top contender. His mastery of dirt racing has made him a consistent favorite at this event.
Friday, January 12th
• Santino Ferrucci: The IndyCar standout, known for his fearlessness on the track, adds the Chili Bowl to his impressive list of off-season racing exploits.
• Kyle Busch: The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and owner of Kyle Busch Motorsports is stepping into the midget racing scene, looking to challenge the best dirt racers in the world. Busch’s versatility will be put to the test in Tulsa.
• Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: The 2023 Daytona 500 winner and dirt racing veteran returns to the Chili Bowl, where his extensive background on dirt tracks makes him a strong contender.
What to Expect
The Chili Bowl Nationals is known for its electric atmosphere and thrilling competition, with over 300 drivers vying for a chance to hoist the Golden Driller. The inclusion of high-profile drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and ARCA adds an extra layer of excitement to the event, as fans get to see their favorite stars test their skills in a different racing discipline.
With its tight, quarter-mile dirt oval and intense racing format, the Chili Bowl is the ultimate test of precision and adaptability. For drivers like Larson, Bell, and Busch, it’s an opportunity to showcase their talents on a grassroots level. For others, such as Gibbs, Legge, and Ferrucci, it’s a chance to gain valuable dirt racing experience and compete outside their usual comfort zones.
The Road Ahead
The week-long event will culminate with the championship feature on Saturday, January 13th, where the top drivers from the week’s qualifying races will battle it out for the coveted Golden Driller trophy. Whether a seasoned dirt racing champion or a motorsports crossover star takes the win, the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals promises to deliver unforgettable action.
Fans can follow the event through live broadcasts and updates as motorsports’ best and brightest converge in Tulsa for one of the most celebrated events in dirt racing history.
