Tony Stewart, a three-time Cup Series champion known for his candid opinions, has openly criticized NASCAR in recent years, expressing growing frustration with issues like the charter system and sponsorship difficulties at Stewart-Haas Racing. As he prepares for his surprising comeback at the Daytona International Speedway, Stewart has once again attracted attention with his outspoken views on the sport’s direction and culture.
Stewart’s upcoming NASCAR return coincides with his role as Grand Marshal at the 40th Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, held at the Tulsa Expo Center. This event marks his first Chili Bowl appearance in five years and highlights his deep appreciation for a race that he ranks even higher than the Daytona 500.
Comparing the Chili Bowl and Daytona 500: Stewart’s Perspective
Stewart emphasized how the Chili Bowl’s challenge surpasses that of Daytona by pointing out the sheer number of competitors and the difficulty involved.
“I was scared to say this back in the day, but it’s true – the Chili Bowl is bigger than Daytona,”
Stewart remarked.
He went on,
“You’ve got 400 guys to beat, not 40. You can’t make mistakes. I never won the Daytona 500, but winning the Chili Bowl meant more to me than winning Daytona ever would.”
The Chili Bowl attracts a wide-ranging roster of racing talent from various disciplines, including NASCAR, IndyCar, World of Outlaws, USAC, High Limit Racing, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. This mix creates a uniquely competitive environment, unlike the Daytona 500, which is limited to NASCAR drivers.
Among recent participants are NASCAR stars such as Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ty Gibbs, and Jesse Love, who compete alongside dedicated dirt-track racers. The event features over 400 entrants competing over five intense nights of preliminary heats before a final championship race determines the winner.
Understanding the Chili Bowl’s Rigorous Structure
The Chili Bowl’s format is notably unforgiving, beginning with a draw for heat races and progressing through qualifiers and Lock-Ins before concluding with the complex “Alphabet Soup” main events. Drivers who falter early may face several additional races just to remain in contention, unlike NASCAR, where qualifying positions and race strategies allow some recovery from mistakes.
Points earned during each lap influence subsequent lineups, ensuring every moment on track counts. Only 24 drivers ultimately reach the Championship A-Main, a grueling 55-lap battle for the prestigious Golden Driller trophy.
Stewart’s Unexpected Return to NASCAR and What Lies Ahead
After an absence since 2016, Stewart will compete in the season-opening race at Daytona International Raceway, driving for Kaulig Racing in the inaugural Ram Truck series event. At 54 years old, he joins Ram’s free agent program designed to spotlight veteran racers alongside emerging drivers.
The 2026 season will see Ram field five trucks: full-time drivers Brenden “Butterbean” Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley, plus one open seat for a free agent like Stewart. Additionally, a fourth full-time driver will be chosen through “Race For The Seat,” a competition with a reality-show format.
Stewart’s high-profile return and his pointed remarks underscore ongoing debates within NASCAR about tradition, competition, and the sport’s future. His involvement with Ram and participation in the Ram Truck’s debut signify a new chapter, potentially influencing both veteran stars and upcoming talents in the series.
“I was scared to say this back in the day, but it’s true — the Chili Bowl is bigger than Daytona. You’ve got 400 guys to beat, not 40. You can’t make mistakes. I never won the Daytona 500, but winning the Chili Bowl meant more to me than winning Daytona ever would.”
— Tony… pic.twitter.com/OyzXW8Tfd6— Jeremie Poplin (@jeremiepoplin) January 13, 2026
