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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, walks onstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 07, 2021 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 07: Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, walks onstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 07, 2021 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The 36th edition of the Chili Bowl Nationals has wrapped up with Tanner Thorson winning the title. Now, there is more good news for the premier dirt racing event in the United States. According to some reports, the week-long event bore witness to a massive boom in viewership. At an event that boasted of Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and breakout star Kaylee Bryson, this was saying something.
To be exact, the unique viewership of the Chili Bowl skyrocketed by nearly 60%. In addition to that, the event witnessed its highest viewership ever. Considering that America got to witness a brand new winner, and he beat the favorites, it may not come as a surprise.
FloRacing says unique viewership for its portion of the Chili Bowl jumped 60% this year. Flo also says its coverage had the highest viewership in the Chili Bowl’s 36-year history.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) January 19, 2022
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During the race itself, Thorson managed to fend off an onslaught from Christopher Bell. In all honesty, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver looked threatening and could have snatched the lead on many occasions. Thorson’s favorable spot was the dreaded Turn 4, which kept catching out the second place man.
What effect did the Chili Bowl Nationals have on the NASCAR regulars?
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Apart from the thrill of the competition and a chance to add more trophies, the Chili Bowl has another purpose. To be precise, it helps the NASCAR drivers continue to stay sharp and hone their skills. Obviously, no driver wants to be sitting idle for too long, as it would only hurt their preparation for the upcoming season.
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CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 17: Kyle Larson driver of the #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet waits in the garage area during NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway on November 17, 2021 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
The NASCAR drivers are no different, and dirt racing is one of the best ways to do it. Given Kyle Larson’s skills in this arena and his versatility to be successful in any racing series, he will be a favorite for the 2022 season. Of course, he will not have an easy path, as many of his rivals will be hard at work as well. Their main aim is to try and stop Larson from bagging a second consecutive title.
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It will be fascinating to see how the 2022 season pans out.
