Kyle Larson claimed his second consecutive Monday preliminary win at the Chili Bowl Nationals, marking his ninth career prelim triumph at the annual event in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The defending NASCAR Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, California, kicked off his 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals campaign with this decisive performance, bringing the spotlight once again to the ever-competitive Kyle Larson Chili Bowl win.
Battle for the Lead and Early Race Challenges
Larson, representing Hendrick Motorsports, started his quest for a fourth overall Chili Bowl Nationals victory by beginning the Prelim Night feature from the fourth position. In the early laps, he skillfully navigated the top line of the dirt track, quickly advancing his No. 1K car past several strong rivals. Securing the right track position was crucial, especially as Shane Golobic provided early competition but eventually fell behind, enabling Larson to press forward.
By the event’s one-third mark, Larson managed to overtake both Briggs Danner and Cannon McIntosh, assuming control of the race. The trio put on an intense contest, particularly as lapped traffic increased the risk and complexity for the leading drivers.
Race Incident and Caution Brings New Drama
Midway through the feature, a dramatic moment unfolded when Gage Wheldon, who was being lapped, switched lanes in Turn 3, resulting in Larson making contact and spinning Wheldon around. This incident led to one of only two caution flags in the 30-lap race, momentarily breaking Larson’s momentum and tightening the field.
After the restart, Larson faced renewed pressure from Danner, who was piloting the No. 55 entry owned by Larson’s NASCAR teammate Alex Bowman. As the final laps approached, lapped traffic again became a factor, creating a tense closing sequence as Danner attempted a last-ditch effort to seize the lead.
“Back-to-back Monday victories for @KyleLarsonRacin after a great duel with @BriggsDanner78! Both drivers lock into the Saturday A-Main for the 40th #ChiliBowl powered by @NosEnergyDrink. pic.twitter.com/Ng7j3poQQg” — FloRacing (@FloRacing)
Results Set Stage for Saturday’s A-Main Event
Ultimately, Larson maintained his advantage, securing the win and guaranteeing his place in Saturday’s coveted A-Main feature for the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals at the Tulsa Expo Center. Briggs Danner’s valiant run earned him the runner-up spot, also locking him into Saturday’s top race. Cannon McIntosh, who led the field to the green flag from pole position, faded to third and will now have to compete in a B-Main for another shot at the win.
Other top finishers included Shane Golobic in fourth and Jerry Coons, Jr. in fifth, followed by Justin Peck, Kameron Key, Tanner Carrick, Jakeb Boxell, and Nick Hoffman, who rounded out the top ten.
Tanner Berryhill, a former NASCAR National Series driver, finished 24th in the A-Main despite a victory in the B-Main earlier that night. Todd Kleuever, another past NASCAR competitor, finished 23rd, just ahead of Berryhill, illustrating the strong presence of drivers with NASCAR backgrounds in the field.
NASCAR Drivers Make Their Mark in Tulsa
The night capped off a strong showing for many with NASCAR ties at the Tulsa Expo Center. Christopher Bell, Larson’s fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitor, took home a win in the Race of Champions earlier in the evening, which secures him a provisional entry into Saturday’s A-Main if he needs it.
What Larson’s Latest Win Means for the Chili Bowl
Kyle Larson’s consistent performance at the Chili Bowl Nationals amplifies his reputation as one of the leading talents in dirt track racing and further cements his legacy at the event. With a record-tying ninth prelim night victory, he is poised for another potential overall win and adds to the anticipation for the championship feature on Saturday. The success of both established and upcoming drivers, including Briggs Danner and Cannon McIntosh, ensures the 40th Chili Bowl Nationals will continue to capture attention from NASCAR fans, racing enthusiasts, and those following the stories of persistence and skill on the dirt in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Back-to-back Monday victories for @KyleLarsonRacin after a great duel with @BriggsDanner78!
Both drivers lock into the Saturday A-Main for the 40th #ChiliBowl powered by @NosEnergyDrink. pic.twitter.com/Ng7j3poQQg
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 13, 2026
