Old rivalries die hard, and few exemplify this better than the fiery dynamic between Thomas Meseraull and Cannon McIntosh. A year after their explosive clash at the 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals, the grudge between the two midget racing stars remains palpable. While Meseraull seems intent on settling the score, the question lingers: Will this rivalry spark another dramatic showdown in the 2025 edition of the prestigious event?
2024: A Crash That Lit the Fire
During the 38th Chili Bowl, a heated battle between Meseraull and McIntosh turned catastrophic. Their cars collided, sending Meseraull flipping violently through the air. When he discovered McIntosh was responsible, Meseraull’s frustration boiled over. His words at the time—**“Of course it was Cannon. Can’t drive Cannon McIntosh”—**became a rallying cry for fans who thrive on the spectacle of intense rivalries.
The fallout didn’t end there. Meseraull’s actions during the aftermath of the crash led to controversy. Frustrated and tangled in his seatbelt, Meseraull tossed his steering wheel out of his damaged car, inadvertently striking an official. Though he later claimed it was a misunderstanding, the incident added fuel to the fire of an already tumultuous race.
2025: A New Outlook, Old Grudges
Fast forward to this year, and Thomas Meseraull, affectionately known as “T-Mez,” is preparing to redeem himself. In a recent interview, he reflected on last year’s mishap with his signature mix of candor and colorful language.
“It’s tough when you just get yard-sailed with a hundred feet to go. I didn’t see until I was crashing. That’s just part of racing, and you know, f— Cannon McIntosh sideways,” Meseraull told journalist Matt Weaver, leaving no doubt that the grudge still simmers.
However, Meseraull is balancing his fiery rivalry with a renewed focus on performance. Fresh off a POWRi National Midget League victory in DuQuoin, Illinois, the veteran racer is optimistic about his updated car setup and believes 2025 could finally be his breakthrough year at the Chili Bowl.
“We’ve spent the year improving our motor and overall package. DuQuoin gave us confidence, but now we’re ready to unleash it here,” he said.
Meanwhile, McIntosh Remains Unbothered
As Meseraull stokes the flames of rivalry, Cannon McIntosh appears unfazed. The young star has taken a more stoic approach, staying focused on his own preparation rather than engaging in verbal sparring. His calm demeanor suggests he’s letting his on-track performance do the talking—a strategy that has served him well in his meteoric rise through the midget racing ranks.
Can Meseraull Channel His Frustration?
For Meseraull, the challenge at the Chili Bowl goes beyond McIntosh. With over 350 drivers, including heavyweights like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and defending champion Logan Seavey, the competition will be fierce. Yet, Meseraull’s intense rivalry with McIntosh could either fuel his performance or become a distraction.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how this tension will play out on the dirt track. Will T-Mez finally claim the Chili Bowl victory that has eluded him? Or will McIntosh get the last laugh, proving once again that actions speak louder than words?