The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals is set to see Christopher Bell and other top NASCAR talents compete in Tulsa, Oklahoma, raising anticipation for fans and motorsports followers alike. This year’s entry list, featuring the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl Nationals lineup, is showcasing a strong NASCAR presence on the dirt midget stage.
NASCAR Standouts Preparing for Chili Bowl Showdown
Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell, two prominent figures in the NASCAR Cup Series, have filed their entries for the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, further intensifying excitement around one of the world’s most notable dirt racing events. The 2026 edition returns to the SageNet Center in Tulsa, with the recent race held from January 12 through January 18, drawing significant attention from the racing community.
Defending champion Kyle Larson, who dominated last year’s Chili Bowl by leading all 40 laps of the A-Main and clinching his third title in 2025, is set on capturing another Golden Driller trophy. Larson’s previous wins in this event came in 2020 and 2021, solidifying his versatility as both a NASCAR and dirt midget driver.
Christopher Bell, praised for his achievements in the Chili Bowl with three consecutive victories from 2017 to 2019, also returns to Tulsa this year. Bell secured a top-10 finish in 2025, reinforcing his reputation as one of the event’s strongest competitors and ensuring the 2026 field is as competitive as ever.
Expanding the NASCAR Presence at Tulsa
The upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals will feature an increased number of NASCAR drivers, boosting crossover interest for fans. Ty Gibbs, the grandson of Joe Gibbs, is scheduled to take part in his second consecutive Chili Bowl. Sheldon Creed, known for competing in the NASCAR O’Reilly (Xfinity) series, will make his debut on the Tulsa dirt this year.
Corey Day, a rookie in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, is set to race under the guidance of Willie Kahne and aims for his first Chili Bowl victory after finishing 11th in the previous event and securing third in 2024. Regular O’Reilly competitor Josh Bilicki will also take on the competition in Tulsa, alongside NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour winner Jake Johnson, who joins for his inaugural attempt with team owner Corey Kruseman.
Kyle Larson Heads to High Limit Racing in Australia
Kyle Larson, following his championship season in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series, is set to compete in the second running of the Kubota High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex in Australia from December 28 to 30. Last year, Larson captured the inaugural event, achieving the largest prize purse in the history of Australian sprint car racing. The upcoming edition increases the stakes, with a $110,000 AUD winner’s check up for grabs.
Alongside Larson, ten American sprint car stars, including Buddy Kofoid, Brad Sweet, Carson Macedo, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, Cole Macedo, Brock Zearfoss, Justin Whittal, and Xavier Doney, will compete on Australian soil, underscoring the global reach and talent behind American sprint racing.
Fans can catch the live action featuring Kyle Larson and the formidable visiting lineup at the Perth Motorplex via FloRacing coverage.
Increased Anticipation for the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl Nationals Field
The entry of top NASCAR drivers like Christopher Bell into the Chili Bowl Nationals continues to be a major draw for both traditional dirt racing fans and newer audiences from NASCAR’s growing base. Their participation brings heightened visibility to the event and demonstrates the wide appeal of dirt midget racing, with established champions and emerging talents testing their versatility against some of the best in the world.
As the 2026 edition approaches, the combination of seasoned stars and promising NASCAR newcomers suggests the Chili Bowl will remain one of the most eagerly anticipated motorsports events, setting the stage for another unforgettable week of competition in Tulsa.
