During the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, a heated exchange emerged between 70-year-old racing legend Sammy Swindell and younger competitor Tanner Thorson following the Race of Champions event. While Kyle Larson navigated his own challenges at the Nationals, Swindell’s blunt remarks toward Thorson drew significant attention.
Swindell voiced his frustration sharply, responding to perceived disrespect from the 29-year-old driver on the track.
“He’s got to take the shit like everybody else; it’s like I’m not supposed to get out of his way. If he thinks I’m too old, we can walk outside,”
Swindell declared, openly challenging Thorson’s aggressive race tactics.
Although Christopher Bell dominated by winning the 25-lap Race of Champions, the scrappy competition behind the leader created intense moments. Thorson drove among the frontrunners but ultimately settled in sixth place, a finish that came at the expense of Swindell’s position. The close racing inside the Tulsa Expo raceway’s tight confines contributed to a hectic feature filled with limited passing opportunities and traffic challenges from lapping cars.
Swindell found himself caught in the thick of the battle and left the race visibly upset, describing his final 19th-place finish with irritation as he reflected on moments in the race where he felt disadvantaged by Thorson’s style.
Adding further, Swindell said,
“I’ve never seen him I don’t know what he’s talking about. You know, he could be a man and come down and talk to me about it, whatever, but it’s hard for me to do anything when I’ve never seen him. I mean, there was one guy that ran down on the curb there inside of me when I was on the bottom, but if I see a front tire, I don’t know who the hell it is.”
Despite the conflict, Swindell’s record speaks volumes, boasting five Chili Bowl Nationals championships and a 5-1 lead over Thorson in their head-to-head competition. With the A-Main feature event approaching, the veteran racer remains a force to be reckoned with alongside fierce contenders including Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell.
Kyle Larson’s Challenges and Breakthrough at the Chili Bowl
Kyle Larson, known for his prowess on diverse racing surfaces, had a rocky start to his 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals campaign, especially in the initial heat races. Nevertheless, his performance took a turn for the better as the event progressed in Tulsa, where Larson has long been a fan favorite.
The Nationals kicked off on Monday night with one of five preliminary races and the annual Race of Champions held within the Tulsa Expo Raceway. Larson showcased a dominant drive, advancing from fourth position and seizing the lead from Cannon McIntosh by lap 10. From there, Larson maintained control, leading the rest of the race to secure the opening night feature victory.
Reflecting on his win, the Elk Grove native said,
“My car felt good, and I was making decent decisions in traffic,”
highlighting his careful navigation through the pack. He recounted a notable incident where a lapped car, Weldon, attempted a pass but ultimately collided with him.
“Then one lapper (Weldon) tried to rip back around me, and then lane changed into (Turn) 3, and I tagged him. It kind of calmed the race down,”
Larson added.
This victory marked Larson’s second consecutive opening night success at the Chili Bowl and set his career total at nine preliminary feature wins, the highest number in the event’s history. Most importantly, the win guaranteed Larson an automatic entrance into Saturday’s prestigious 55-lap A-Main competition, positioning him as a strong contender for his fourth Golden Driller trophy.
Race Dynamics Highlight Veteran Versus Rising Talent Rivalries
The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals offered a snapshot of the ongoing generational battle within the dirt racing scene. Sammy Swindell, who commands respect as a five-time champion and elder statesman of the sport, expressed particular frustration toward Tanner Thorson’s aggressive racing behavior. Their confrontation epitomized the tensions between seasoned veterans and younger drivers eager to make their mark on the event.
Thorson’s assertive approach on the track showed his determination to challenge established names, though it occasionally led to controversy with riders like Swindell feeling sidelined. The limited width of the Tulsa Expo Raceway and the dense pack racing contributed to friction points, making position battles fierce and often physical.
Meanwhile, Kyle Larson’s steady drive to regain momentum within the fiercely competitive field highlighted his commitment to the sport beyond his NASCAR success. Larson’s ability to claim wins and navigate tricky traffic conditions again demonstrated why he is a top favorite among fans and fellow drivers.
Looking Ahead: Anticipation Builds for the A-Main Feature
As the preliminary races conclude, the spotlight now turns toward the upcoming 55-lap A-Main event scheduled for Saturday, a decisive showdown for the Chili Bowl Nationals championship. Kyle Larson’s recent performance, combined with the fierce rivalry between veterans like Sammy Swindell and emerging contenders such as Tanner Thorson, ensures a compelling and closely contested race.
The heightened drama surrounding Larson’s efforts, Swindell’s sharp retorts, and the continuous jockeying among top drivers fuels fan excitement and media attention. With established stars like Christopher Bell also in the mix, the race promises to blend intense competition with rich racing history, making this year’s Chili Bowl an unforgettable spectacle in the motorsport calendar.
"𝗜𝗳 𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗜'𝗺 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗼𝗹𝗱, 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲."
Five-time #ChiliBowl winner Sammy Swindell previews his prelim night on Wednesday and reacts to Tanner Thorson's comments following the Race of Champions. pic.twitter.com/S28ayH2SyK
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 14, 2026
