The Chili Bowl Nationals isn’t just any racing event—it’s the winter event. Every January, the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, becomes the epicenter of dirt track racing. Over 15,000 fans pack into this iconic venue to experience the magic of ‘midget car racing’ as per NASCAR at its absolute finest. Since its humble beginnings in 1987, this event has slowly become a must-see spectacle, often dubbed the Super Bowl of dirt racing.

What makes it so special? It’s the perfect blend of grassroots passion and top-tier competition. And if you’re a NASCAR fan, you’re in for an extra treat this year. With big-name drivers, an action-packed schedule, and the unpredictable thrills of indoor dirt racing, the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals is set to deliver.

NASCAR Stars set to bring the heat

This year’s entry list includes seven NASCAR drivers fresh off the 2024 Cup Series, and they’re ready to light up the track. Leading the charge is none other than Christopher Bell. A three-time Chili Bowl champ, Bell’s last win here was in 2019, but he’s back after a two-year break to chase his fourth Golden Driller trophy.

Kyle Larson, the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champ remains another fan favorite. With two Chili Bowl wins under his belt (2020 and 2021), Larson’s dirt track skills make him a serious contender. And then there’s Kyle Busch—yes, that Kyle Busch—making his Chili Bowl debut. Busch has raced in the Tulsa Shootout earlier but this marks his first shot at the Golden Driller.

Other NASCAR standouts include Ty Gibbs, the 2022 Xfinity Series champ, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., fresh off a Talladega win. Dirt racing veterans J.J. Yeley and Josh Bilicki join the fray along with rising stars like Brent Crews and Corey Day. The competition will be fierce with this mix of experience and young talent.

What does the schedule look like?

The 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals runs from Monday, January 13, to Saturday, January 18. Each evening features qualifying races that set the stage for Saturday’s grand finale. Here’s how the week shapes up:

• Monday, Jan. 13: Cummins, Inc. Qualifying Night and the Race of Champions – Starts at 5 p.m. ET on FloRacing.
• Tuesday, Jan. 14: Warren CAT Qualifying Night – 5 p.m. ET.
• Wednesday, Jan. 15: York Plumbing Qualifying Night – 5 p.m. ET.
• Thursday, Jan. 16: John Christner Trucking Qualifying Night – 5 p.m. ET.
• Friday, Jan. 17: Hard Rock Casino Tulsa Qualifying Night – 5 p.m. ET.
• Saturday, Jan. 18: Championship Feature Events – Kicks off at 10 a.m. ET.

The week builds up to Saturday’s 40-lap championship A-Main. (Yep, they’ve shortened it from 55 laps to amp up the intensity!)

How NASCAR fans can watch the action

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Can’t make it to Tulsa? No problem. You can catch every lap live on FloRacing, the ultimate streaming platform for dirt track fans. While there’s no traditional TV coverage, FloRacing’s got you covered with wall-to-wall action.

For those lucky enough to attend, the SageNet Center at the River Spirit Expo Center is an experience in itself. This massive indoor venue features a meticulously crafted dirt track, made from clay, sourced right from the fairgrounds. Plus, NASCAR fans can snap a selfie with the famous Golden Driller statue—it’s a must for any racing fan.

How it all works

The Chili Bowl format isn’t your typical race setup. It’s a week-long test of skill, strategy, and nerve. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Heat Races: Drivers earn points based on passing moves, not just finishing positions. Bold driving pays off.
• Qualifiers: The top 40 drivers advance to A-Qualifying races, while others battle it out in C and B mains.
• Pole Dash: The top 10 drivers from the week’s qualifiers race short sprints to set the A-Main’s front rows.
• Championship Saturday: It all kicks off with P and Q mains and works up to the 24-car A-Main field.

This year’s 40-lap final, promises a tighter, more aggressive race, with every lap counting toward the ultimate prize.

The Chili Bowl Nationals isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration of everything we love about motorsport. With NASCAR stars, an electric atmosphere, and nonstop action, the 2025 edition shapes to be unforgettable. Whether you’re in the stands or streaming from home, get ready for dirt racing at its absolute best.