Chili Bowl Shocker: Top Contender Buddy Kofoid Out Before the Race Begins!
In a stunning turn of events, the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals are set to commence without one of the most formidable competitors in the field: Buddy Kofoid. Known for his remarkable prowess on the track, Kofoid has made a name for himself by clinching a spot in the Championship Saturday main event five times out of six attempts with Keith Kunz Motorsports. However, an unexpected illness has forced him to withdraw from this year’s competition at the Tulsa Expo Center, leaving fans and rivals alike in disbelief.
Kofoid’s absence is particularly felt given his exceptional performance in 2025, where he dominated the 410 Sprint Car circuit, amassing an astonishing 18 victories and earning the title of the highest-earning driver in the sport. This week, he appeared poised to seize the coveted Golden Driller trophy, but now, in a shocking twist, the No. 71W will remain idle. Keith Kunz has confirmed that there are “no plans” to fill Kofoid’s seat, despite initial outreach to potential substitutes. This development leaves the competition wide open, as one major contender is off the grid.
As the race weekend approaches, practice sessions have unfolded in a largely methodical manner, although the track conditions proved to be a challenge. Describing the unique characteristics of the track, USAC National Midget champion Cannon McIntosh remarked, “You know, this track is very unique. It’s small. We got the berm, which you don’t run on very often throughout the year.” McIntosh emphasized the need for precision, stating that many drivers make the mistake of charging into turns without careful consideration of the track’s evolving grip.
For drivers like Corey Day and Willie Kahne, practice was anything but routine. The duo spent considerable time strategizing after their second session, aiming to improve their performance from the previous year. Day expressed frustration over the uncertainties they faced, saying, “You know, we wish we really knew… I think the track had a lot of grip in it last year compared to the year prior.” The fluctuating conditions of the track have left teams scrambling to adapt, highlighting the unpredictable nature of racing at the Chili Bowl.
Amidst the practice sessions, there were some dramatic moments. Nathan Crane experienced a roll-over, while Ryan Bernal became the first driver to flip during the morning practice. The intensity is palpable as competitors gear up for a fierce battle. Last year’s defending champion, Logan Seavey, recalled his struggles with throttle response, admitting he was “being annoying” with his complaints last year. However, he reported improvements this time around, stating, “I was pretty happy with it… We’re really close to where we need to be, I think.”
Veteran driver Sammy Swindell, a four-time champion, revealed that fine-tuning their engines has been a work in progress. “It’s like, we calmed them down correctly, but it’s like we’re just not balancing something to offset the changes to get ‘em exactly right,” he noted. With a fleet of four cars this year, including defending Wednesday winner Emerson Axsom, Swindell is strategically managing the group. “Today was hectic because we ran all four… It’s just getting through these first two days of working on multiple cars each day,” he added with a sense of humor about the chaos.
As the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals draw near, the absence of Kofoid raises the stakes for every driver looking to secure a spot in the main event. With track conditions shifting and fierce competition on the horizon, this year’s event promises to be electrifying. Will new challengers rise to the occasion, or will the veterans reclaim their glory under the bright lights of Tulsa? Only time will tell as the excitement builds for one of motorsport’s most prestigious events!
