The smell of freshly churned clay, the roar of fine-tuned engines, and the deafening cheers of 15,000 fans—it can only mean one thing: the Chili Bowl Nationals are back. But 2025 isn’t just another year for Tulsa’s iconic dirt-racing event; it’s shaping up to be the most fiercely contested showdown in its history. And Kyle Larson, the two-time Chili Bowl champion and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series winner, knows he’s walking into a lion’s den.
A Stacked Field: Larson, Bell, Thorson, and More
Kyle Larson enters the SageNet Center fresh off a stellar showing at the Tulsa Shootout, where he snagged wins in the Winged Outlaw and Winged A-Main events before falling to his dirt-racing rival Christopher Bell in the Non-Winged Outlaw race. The loss was a reminder that the road to his third Golden Driller trophy is littered with challenges, and Bell may be the biggest of them all.
Christopher Bell, a three-time Chili Bowl champion, has returned to the dirt after Joe Gibbs Racing lifted restrictions on his extracurricular racing. Bell’s last Chili Bowl win came in 2019, but his recent victory over Larson at the Tulsa Shootout is a clear signal that he’s ready to reclaim the throne.
Then there’s Tanner Thorson, the 2022 Chili Bowl champion, who has proven his grit and ability to handle Tulsa’s tight, unforgiving track. Last year’s champion, Logan Seavey, is also back with his eyes set on a repeat performance, aiming to cement his place among the elite.
And let’s not overlook the wildcard: Kyle Busch. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion is making his Chili Bowl debut, bringing his legendary talent to one of the most challenging arenas in motorsports. Fresh off an impressive showing at the Tulsa Shootout, Busch is eager to add the Golden Driller to his already stacked trophy cabinet.
A Battle of Legends and Rising Stars
Larson is no stranger to pressure, but the 2025 Chili Bowl field is deeper than ever. The event will feature a perfect blend of veteran talent and young guns hungry to make a name for themselves. Among the notable entrants:
- Justin Grant, a dirt-racing stalwart and winner of the 2022 O’Reilly Auto Parts Invitational Race of Champions, now driving for CB Industries.
- Ty Gibbs and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., NASCAR stars ready to test their mettle on dirt.
- J.J. Yeley and Josh Bilicki, dirt-track veterans who always make their presence felt.
- Rising sensations like Brent Crews and Corey Day, who represent the next generation of dirt-racing dominance.
For Larson, the competition is intense, but it’s also exactly what he thrives on. Speaking to Matt Weaver after his practice session, Larson said: “There are a lot of great guys who can win on Saturday night. Hopefully, we can establish ourselves early on in the week and then use that momentum to get better for Saturday.”
What’s at Stake?
The Chili Bowl Nationals aren’t just about prestige; they’re about legacy. A win here cements a driver’s place among dirt-racing royalty. For Larson, a third Golden Driller would further solidify his status as one of the most versatile drivers of his generation. For Bell, reclaiming the title after a hiatus would remind everyone why he’s a three-time champion. And for Busch, victory would mark an incredible crossover moment for a driver more commonly associated with asphalt than dirt.
The Fans’ Take
As the anticipation builds, fans are buzzing about the possibility of one of the greatest Chili Bowls in history. With a field this competitive, the excitement is palpable. Can Larson fend off Bell? Will Busch pull off a surprise win in his debut? Or will a rising star like Corey Day steal the spotlight?
One thing is certain: the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals are a can’t-miss event, and the road to the Golden Driller has never been tougher.