Ty Gibbs is determined to make waves during the Ty Gibbs Chili Bowl 2026 Nationals, aiming for a comeback after coming tantalizingly close to advancing further in last year’s event. Following a challenging 2025 racing season and an impressive debut at the Chili Bowl, Gibbs is set to return to Tulsa with renewed focus and passion to prove himself on the dirt.
Gibbs Sets His Sights on Tulsa After Rookie Breakthrough
In 2025, Ty Gibbs took on a tough NASCAR Cup Series season without securing a win, though he notched five top-five and ten top-ten finishes while driving the No. 54 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, the team led by his grandfather, Joe Gibbs. While Cup Series victory eluded him, Gibbs also made a memorable first appearance at the Chili Bowl Nationals, one of America‘s most celebrated dirt racing events, and found immediate success against a competitive field.
Gibbs’ debut in the Chili Bowl saw him start strong by winning the second G-Feature and then finishing sixth in the second F-Feature after a spirited charge through the pack, just missing the cutoff for the next round. Demonstrating his competitive spirit, Gibbs is now aiming for redemption in his sophomore outing at the event, bringing with him the confidence gained from his experience.
Building Confidence and Drive for 2026
As Ty Gibbs reflects on his experiences, his enthusiasm for the Chili Bowl shines through. Speaking to FloRacing, Gibbs shared his excitement:
“It is a week long of just you know a lot going on lot of racing you know a lot fun times. And it is just super cool,”
Ty Gibbs said in a recent interview with FloRacing.
“When I left I was like dang wish could go back do that again. It’s so much fun. Love the track is awesome. I think Chili Bowl does great job with everything they do and so super pumped to go back you know hang out and race cars. Love it.”
– Ty Gibbs
The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, scheduled for January 13th through 18th at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, promises to build on this momentum. With nearly 400 entrants from 36 states and five countries, the challenge and prestige are higher than ever. For Gibbs, the goal is clear: leverage his growing skills and past lessons to reach new heights against the best in the sport.
Gibbs also stated,
“I love the Chili Bowl. I think it’s one of the greatest racing and sporting events there is in America. And my love come into it and I’ve only done it once but I really enjoyed it and excited to go back and race this coming year and very pumped,”
Ty Gibbs said.
Facing Off Against Elites in a Star-Studded Field
The Ty Gibbs Chili Bowl 2026 Nationals is once again drawing elite talent from the racing world. Defending champion Kyle Larson—winner in 2020, 2021, and returning after a memorable 2025 triumph—will headline the event alongside fellow three-time winner Christopher Bell. Other high-profile competitors include O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Jesse Love, Craftsman Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed, and seasoned Cup Series drivers J.J. Yeley and Josh Bilicki.
The competition spans a wide range of disciplines. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour winner Jake Johnson, ARCA drivers Gavan Boschele and Brayton Laster, and World of Outlaws legend Sammy Swindell are part of an entry list representing diversity and depth. Beyond American stars, drivers from countries as far as Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK are set to compete, underscoring the international prestige of the Chili Bowl Nationals.
Last year, Gibbs’ Cup Series rival Kyle Larson took the trophy again with a dominant drive in the 40-lap main event, and with the main event set to return to a 55-lap distance for this year, the race promises an even tougher test of endurance and skill.
Recent Successes Strengthen Gibbs’ Bid for Victory
Ty Gibbs’ 2025 motorsports season extended beyond his NASCAR and Chili Bowl efforts. He made his World of Outlaws debut at Charlotte’s dirt oval—adapting quickly by recording a remarkable 12.865-second lap in his first hot laps session and impressing observers with his performance on the clay surface. This flexibility is an asset as he prepares to take on both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers in Tulsa.
With his experience across NASCAR Cup, dirt racing, and karting circuits, Gibbs is expected to be a central figure in the storylines unfolding at the Chili Bowl Nationals. He will be joined on track by Cup veterans, ARCA up-and-comers, and international participants seeking glory in one of America’s most electrifying motorsports spectacles.
What Sets the 2026 Chili Bowl Apart
The upcoming edition of the Chili Bowl Nationals stands out not only for its stacked entry list but also for format changes. Most notably, the championship main event will return to its historic 55-lap length, increasing the level of strategy and endurance required from each finalist. Competition will span January 13th to 18th at Tulsa’s SageNet Center, with drivers and fans alike anticipating an intense week of action, drama, and potential upsets.
Ty Gibbs’ pursuit of redemption at the Chili Bowl Nationals is a central storyline, with fellow racers like Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Jesse Love, and Sheldon Creed ensuring that the path to the Driller trophy is one of the toughest in motorsports. For racing fans, the event remains one of the premier gatherings of talent and passion anywhere in the sport.
A New Chapter in Gibbs’ Racing Journey
As Gibbs prepares for the Ty Gibbs Chili Bowl 2026 Nationals, his journey reflects resilience, a drive to learn, and a willingness to compete at the highest levels in multiple motorsports arenas. Whether coming from the Cup Series, World of Outlaws, or dirt ovals, Gibbs’s blend of youth and experience positions him as a layered competitor to watch in Tulsa. The stage is set for him to either build on last year’s near-miss or deliver a breakthrough up against the best America and the world have to offer.
No matter the competition or the changes to the race itself, Ty Gibbs’ intensity and love for the Chili Bowl make him a focal point for fans and participants alike. As he steps into the 2026 showdown with determination and optimism, the motorsports community will be watching to see if Gibbs can claim his long-sought redemption on the dirt in Tulsa.
With one #ChiliBowl trip under his belt, it's safe to say @TyGibbs fell in love with racing inside the SageNet Center. After running #TulsaShootout last week, Gibbs will be back for another go at a Driller.
Hear from him in our #RoadToTheChiliBowl presented by @Chilis 🌶️ 👇 pic.twitter.com/m7Ye4lLct9
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 7, 2026
