It’s been 35 years since NASCAR icon Jeff Gordon last competed at the Chili Bowl Nationals. Back in 1990, the then-18-year-old showed flashes of brilliance, making it to the A-Main and finishing 16th. Though his full-time racing career shifted to NASCAR stardom, Gordon’s connection to the Chili Bowl never faded. Now, in 2025, he’s set to make a grand return to the legendary dirt midget race. And this time, he’ll be sharing the stage with another NASCAR legend, Kyle Busch, who’s making his much-anticipated Chili Bowl debut.

Jeff Gordon will take the role of Grand Marshal at the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals.

Jeff Gordon: From competitor to Grand Marshal

In a thrilling revelation, motorsport journalist Matt Weaver announced on Twitter that Jeff Gordon would serve as the Grand Marshal for the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals. This marks Gordon’s second time taking on the honorary role, having previously served as Grand Marshal in 2022. Back then, Gordon reflected on his deep connection to the event:

“I don’t know why it took me so long to come back after competing in 1990, but I started coming back five or six years ago,” Gordon said in 2022. “You just can’t miss this event.” That year, Gordon stepped into the role when his former boss, Rick Hendrick, was unavailable. “They asked if [Rick Hendrick] could be the Grand Marshal, and unfortunately he could not be here this weekend,” Gordon explained. “I told the Hahn family that Rick is not able to do it, then about a week later I got a call and they said, how about you being the Grand Marshal?”

Now, in 2025, Gordon’s return as Grand Marshal feels even more momentous, coinciding with Kyle Busch’s Chili Bowl debut. Busch, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and one of the sport’s most accomplished drivers, will pilot the No. 51 Lucas Oil/FloRacing Midget in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “The Chili Bowl is a legendary event and has always been on my wish list,” Busch said. “To be able to compete there, and then alongside my son Brexton at the Tulsa Shootout, is making this year one to remember.”

In addition to waving the green flag and greeting the drivers, part of the Grand Marshal’s duties also may extend to presenting the trophy to the winner. It could be an incredible moment to potentially see Jeff Gordon handing Kyle Busch his first Chili Bowl Nationals trophy if he does win. Busch aims to join an elite group of NASCAR Cup champions, including Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson, who have also claimed the Chili Bowl’s prestigious Golden Driller trophy.

Coming back to Gordon, he hopes to make it through the entire event this time around. Back when he served as the Grand Marshal in 2022, Gordon had to leave early because of the weather. However, he still managed to enjoy the event despite not being around for the finale.

A Star-studded field: The who’s who of racing talent

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The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals entry list is nothing short of spectacular, boasting 327 entries as of the latest count. This year’s lineup includes a mix of Chili Bowl veterans, NASCAR stars, and dirt racing standouts, all vying for the coveted Golden Driller trophy. The field is headlined by four former winners: two-time defending champion Logan Seavey, five-time winner Sammy Swindell, two-time winner Kyle Larson, and 2022 champion Tanner Thorson. Three-time winner Christopher Bell is also expected to compete, though his official entry form is pending.

Joining them are NASCAR stars like Ty Gibbs, the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., fresh off a strong season in the Cup Series. Brent Crews, a rising talent with ARCA Menards Series victories, will also be in action, making his fourth Chili Bowl appearance.

From the sprint car world, five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet leads a formidable group that includes Corey Day, Spencer Bayston, and Shane Golobic. Meanwhile, USAC stars like Brady Bacon, C.J. Leary, and Mitchel Moles will represent the non-wing sprint car contingent. Even dirt late model champions like Ricky Thornton Jr. and Nick Hoffman are stepping into the midget racing spotlight. The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals presented by NOS Energy Drink runs from January 12 to January 18 at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The week-long event will feature qualifying nights leading up to the championship A-Main on Saturday night. For fans unable to attend in person, all races will be streamed live on FloRacing, with select re-broadcasts available on MAVTV.

With Jeff Gordon presiding as Grand Marshal and Kyle Busch making his Chili Bowl debut, the 40th edition promises to be one of the most unforgettable in the event’s storied history. Whether you’re a die-hard dirt racing fan or a NASCAR enthusiast, this is one spectacle you won’t want to miss.