Every January, the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, transforms into the pulsating heart of dirt track racing for the Chili Bowl Nationals, the crown jewel of winter motorsport. This isn’t just another race—it’s a festival of speed, grit, and glory that draws over 15,000 passionate fans and some of the biggest names in racing. For 2025, the stakes are higher than ever, with NASCAR stars invading the dirt, an updated 40-lap finale, and the promise of unforgettable action.
A Star-Studded Lineup: NASCAR Meets Dirt Racing
The 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals boasts a roster that includes seven NASCAR drivers, turning this grassroots showcase into a must-watch for racing fans of all stripes.
Christopher Bell
The three-time Chili Bowl champion (2017, 2018, 2019) returns after a two-year hiatus. Bell, known for his exceptional dirt racing prowess, is on the hunt for a record-tying fourth Golden Driller trophy, a feat only the legendary Kevin Swindell has achieved.
Kyle Larson
Fresh off a stellar 2024 NASCAR season, the 2021 Cup Series champion and two-time Chili Bowl winner (2020, 2021) is back. Larson’s fearless style and ability to dominate on dirt make him a perennial favorite.
Kyle Busch
The biggest wildcard of the event, Busch is making his Chili Bowl debut. While he’s competed in the Tulsa Shootout, the Golden Driller has eluded him—until now. Can the former NASCAR Cup champion translate his asphalt dominance to the dirt?
The Rising Stars and Veterans
- Ty Gibbs: The 2022 Xfinity Series champ is eager to prove his versatility on the dirt.
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: A Talladega winner with dirt racing roots, Stenhouse knows how to get dirty—and fast.
- J.J. Yeley & Josh Bilicki: Experienced drivers bringing their grit and determination to the mix.
- Brent Crews & Corey Day: Young guns ready to take on the legends.
The Schedule: Dirt Drama All Week Long
The action kicks off on Monday, January 13, and culminates with the championship A-Main on Saturday, January 18. Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store:
- Monday-Friday: Qualifying races set the tone, with nightly preliminaries sorting the stars from the pack.
- Saturday’s Finale: The 40-lap A-Main, a new, shorter format designed to ramp up the intensity and deliver non-stop thrills.
With the reduced race length, expect aggression, strategy, and action-packed laps where every second counts.
Can’t Be There? FloRacing’s Got You Covered
For fans unable to make it to Tulsa, FloRacing offers comprehensive streaming coverage of every lap, from heats to the grand finale. While traditional TV isn’t an option, FloRacing ensures you won’t miss a single slide or pass.
The Venue: A Clay Canvas of Dreams
The SageNet Center is a spectacle in itself, featuring a meticulously crafted dirt track built from clay sourced from the fairgrounds. The atmosphere is electric, with roaring engines, dedicated fans, and the iconic Golden Driller statue, a must-see for every racing enthusiast.
What Makes the Chili Bowl Special?
The Chili Bowl Nationals stand out not just for the racing but for the camaraderie and spirit of the sport. It’s where the line between grassroots and elite racing blurs, bringing fans closer to the action and reminding us why we fell in love with motorsport in the first place.
With NASCAR’s biggest stars, a thrilling new format, and a week of heart-stopping action, the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals promises to be a spectacle for the ages. Whether you’re trackside in Tulsa or streaming from your living room, buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.
