2023 Chilli Bowl Champ Team Signs Kyle Larson & Christopher Bell’s Roadblock in hunt for $20,000 Payout

In 2022, Tanner Thorson made a splash in the racing world by dethroning the reigning champ, Kyle Larson, at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Larson himself had previously unseated Christopher Bell from his pedestal in 2020, adding another twist to the high-speed game. However, in 2023, Thorson couldn’t replicate his previous year’s success and fell short of the mark. But, as the Lucas Oil Chili Race Midget Nationals looms on the horizon, Bertrand Motorsports has decided to back the dark horse of 2022, showing their faith in his abilities.

The latest buzz on the racing circuits is that the team has recently inked a new deal with the rising star. While the new partnership is announced on one side, Tanner Thorson is currently ready to take on the tracks at California’s Bakersfield Speedway and make a splash once again.

The new partner could not make it as the best qualifier at Bakersfield Speedway

The dust has barely settled on Logan Seavey’s victory at the 2023 Lucas Oil Chili Race Midget Nationals, and the racing world is already buzzing with expectations for the next big showdown. From 2017 to 2018, Christopher Bell reigned supreme in this race. Yet, in 2020, Kyle Larson swooped in and snatched victory, denying Bell his fourth consecutive win and breaking his winning streak. Larson then carved out his own legacy with back-to-back 2 wins until Tanner Thorson stole the spotlight, leaving Bell in second place.

Now, as we approach another crucial juncture in the racing calendar, teams and drivers are gearing up for the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals with eyes on the prize—the prestigious Golden Driller trophy. Adding to the excitement, as announced in October 2023, the winner will also take home a hefty $20,000, turning up the heat on what’s already going to be a dramatic race after all.

However, the motorsports community was recently taken aback when Bertrand Motorsports pulled their latest move—they’ve roped in Tanner Thorson, the well-known adversary of Christopher Bell, for the upcoming face-off in January 2024. The team took to Twitter the announcement following the post of Tanner Thorson of his dirt car: “Thrilled to team up with Tanner Thorson Racing. Tanner’s dedication to the sport is unmatched. Best of luck to Tanner and the team as they embark on the West Coast swing and gear up for the Chili Bowl Nationals! Stay tuned for more updates on the Chili Bowl!”

Currently, as Tanner Thorson is navigating the twists and turns of the West Coast Swing at Bakersfield Speedway, where Taylor Reimer has recently led the pack in qualifying, the racing world is abuzz with excitement. However, the arch-rival of Christopher Bell and the new partner of Bertrand Motorsports, Tanner Thorson, could not be anywhere near him.

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Furthermore, while drivers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the 2024 Chili Bowl will retain its familiar format, a curveball has been thrown with the announcement of new rules for the Midget Series in 2025. Also, for the time being, it’s up in the air whether Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell will be joining the fray or sitting this one out as well.

Chili Bowl rolls out a new rulebook to take effect in 2025 

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Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, who had previously dominated five of the last six races before Thorson’s breakthrough last year, were notably missing from the lineup of 370 contenders gearing up for the 2023 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. The Hendrick Motorsports driver decided to take a different track, opting for the Wild West Shootout at Vado Motorsports Park, where he could compete in a Super Late Model for $10,000-to-win on five consecutive nights, culminating in a $25,000-to-win finale.

Bell, on the other hand, would have preferred to race in his dream event back in his hometown if he had his druthers. However, Joe Gibbs Racing has been treading cautiously with its drivers in open-wheel cars since the DJ VanderLey incident at the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

As the drivers gear up for the 2024 Chili Bowl, a gentle nudge is being given to all drivers about the new rule laid down during the Driver’s Meetings this year.

When it comes to the right rear, it’s a Hoosier SP3 or bust. Drivers can tweak and tinker with grooving and siping, but when it comes to tire softeners and conditioners, it’s a strict no-go zone. In fact, anything to do with natural or unnatural chemicals, whether they’re harmless or hazardous, is strictly off the table. If a tire is found to have been tampered with, it’s not just a slap on the wrist; it’s immediate disqualification and a ticket to the sidelines.

These ground rules, however, won’t come into full force at the Tulsa Expo Raceway until the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals. But don’t think you can breathe easy yet, because these new chassis standards are set to kick in in 2024 for the USAC, Xtreme Outlaw, and Badger Midget series. And for those trying to bend the rules, there’s a new sheriff in town: sonic testing.

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This high-tech tool will be used to scrutinize current frames and ensure they meet the mark in terms of tube thickness, both for the rest of the 2023 season and the off-season. So, for the drivers, it’s time to shape up or ship out because the Chili Bowl is raising the bar!