The roar of engines, the thrill of dirt racing, and the drama of redemption arcs—the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals are upon us, and one name to watch is Josh Bilicki. After crashing out of contention in 2024, the former NASCAR driver is back with a more cautious yet determined approach, ready to take on over 350 drivers vying for glory in Tulsa.
For Bilicki, who has tasted defeat in the most crushing way possible, this year’s event isn’t just about winning—it’s about growth, redemption, and proving he belongs among the elite.
Reflecting on 2024: Lessons from Heartbreak
Last year’s Chili Bowl left a bitter taste for Bilicki. A disastrous crash during one of the qualifiers derailed his hopes, relegating him to the sidelines on race day. “I’m really frustrated and disappointed in myself,” he admitted at the time, a sentiment that still fuels his drive heading into 2025. The crash wasn’t entirely his fault—a rival’s aggressive move left him with nowhere to go—but it highlighted the unforgiving nature of the Chili Bowl’s ultra-competitive environment.
Despite his disappointment, the Wisconsin native has regrouped. Working with the RAMCO Speed Group, Bilicki has spent the past year honing his skills, gaining confidence, and preparing for a shot at redemption.
Realistic Expectations: “A Win for Us”
Unlike some of his high-profile competitors, such as Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, and Kyle Busch, Bilicki is tempering his expectations. Speaking to journalist Matt Weaver, Bilicki set his sights on smaller victories that could pave the way for long-term success:
“I would love to make the A-Main at Prelim. As crazy as that sounds, I think that will be a win for us. That would set us up decently for Saturday. Let’s be real, I’m not going to make the A-Main on Saturday. The expectations here are just for me to keep learning, keep growing.”
This grounded approach is a stark contrast to the bravado often associated with motorsports. But for Bilicki, it’s about progress, not perfection.
The Competition: A Who’s Who of Dirt Racing Royalty
Bilicki’s humility is understandable given the stacked field he faces. The Chili Bowl has attracted the best of the best, including:
- Kyle Larson, a two-time Chili Bowl champion who enters as one of the heavy favorites.
- Christopher Bell, a three-time winner making his return after a two-year hiatus.
- Tanner Thorson, the 2022 champion and a constant threat.
- Kyle Busch, making his Chili Bowl debut but already proving he can adapt to dirt racing with strong performances at the Tulsa Shootout.
With such a roster, Bilicki knows that even making it through preliminary rounds is an achievement.
Experience and Growth: Bridging the Gap
Bilicki’s diverse racing background, spanning go-karts, IMSA, SCCA, and sprint cars, gives him a unique perspective. However, he acknowledges that the skills don’t always translate perfectly:
“The sprint car is a little bit more like an asphalt field… You’re tight down on the left front vs. driving on the right rear so much. The winged sprint car—if you try to get that sideways, you’re going to be spinning around or flipped over.”
Still, his recent sprint car victory at Plymouth shows he’s making strides. With every race, Bilicki is closing the gap between his experience and the expertise required to excel in the Chili Bowl.
The Road Ahead: Can Bilicki Defy the Odds?
Josh Bilicki’s journey to the Chili Bowl’s A-Main may seem improbable, but his relentless focus and willingness to learn make him a compelling underdog. In a field dominated by NASCAR titans and dirt racing legends, Bilicki’s story offers a refreshing counterpoint: a tale of growth, perseverance, and redemption.
As he takes to the dirt in Tulsa, one thing is certain—Josh Bilicki’s journey is far from over. Whether he makes the A-Main or not, his determination to improve and embrace the challenge embodies the true spirit of the Chili Bowl Nationals.
