Tony Stewart, recognized as one of the faces on the Mount Rushmore of motorsports, has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 40th running of the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa in 2026. This honor highlights both his storied Tony Stewart racing achievements and his influential role in connecting fans from various racing disciplines.
A Racing Legend’s Accomplishments
Renowned for his versatility, Stewart has been a USAC Triple-Crown champion and earned Chili Bowl victories in 2002 and 2007. Not limited to a single series, his career spans NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), earning him widespread respect in the motorsport community. Stewart’s list of racing titles and accomplishments, including championships in multiple disciplines, is unmatched, making his legacy uniquely significant.
Tony Stewart’s Return to Tulsa
The announcement of Stewart as Grand Marshal marks his return to where he has enjoyed notable success, both on and off the track. Stewart, a native of Columbus, Indiana, will preside over the iconic event, often referred to as the “World’s Greatest Midget Race.”
“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans. He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event,”
stated Chili Bowl co-founder, Emmett Hahn.
“I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”
— Emmett Hahn, Chili Bowl co-founder
Achievements at the Chili Bowl and Beyond
Stewart’s history at the Chili Bowl includes two Golden Driller trophies, twelve championship A-Feature starts in fourteen appearances, three podium finishes, four times in the top five, and seven top-ten results. His last A-Feature start came in 2013. Off the track, Stewart contributed to the event through track preparation, collaborating with names such as Brad Chandler, Steve Hahn, Matt Ward, and Martin Edwards, reinforcing his reputation as a dedicated innovator.
Ownership, Wins, and Impact on the Sport
As an owner as well as a driver, Stewart has amassed significant titles, including NASCAR championships and 14 USAC owner titles. He has also achieved nine owner championships in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and four in the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets Series. In addition to his personal sprint car wins—including a dozen victories at the Knoxville Nationals—Stewart’s cars, since his acquisition of Eldora Speedway in 2004, have claimed the King’s Royal crown six times.
By honoring Stewart as Grand Marshal, the Chili Bowl Nationals acknowledges not only his racing skills but also his lifelong contributions as an ambassador, champion, and unifying figure in motorsports. His presence at the 2026 race is poised to energize fans and participants alike, while further cementing his legacy on dirt and beyond.
