Get ready for a thrilling Thursday night at the Chili Bowl Nationals, where the stakes are higher than ever! With 87 entries vying for just two coveted spots in Saturday’s Championship A-Main, the competition is fierce, and the drama is guaranteed. But here’s where it gets controversial: can former champions Christopher Bell and Tanner Thorson dominate again, or will a new contender steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into the action.
The 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals, powered by NOS Energy, has been a whirlwind of speed, strategy, and surprises. As we approach the penultimate preliminary night in Tulsa, the excitement is palpable. And this is the part most people miss: Thursday’s lineup is packed with stars, rookies, and underdogs all aiming for glory. FloRacing, the official live streaming partner, kicks off coverage at 3 p.m. CT with the Chili’s Grill & Bar Pre-Race Show, followed by Dirt Draft Hot Laps at 4 p.m. CT.
All eyes are on Christopher Bell, a three-time Golden Driller winner (2017-19), who’s now in the driver/owner seat. But here’s the twist: Bell is no longer with Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports. Instead, he’s built his own equipment and is calling the shots on setup. Will this bold move pay off, or will it backfire? So far, his transition has been smooth, with a Race of Champions win on Monday and a top-10 finish for teammate Kaidon Brown on Tuesday. Yet, after losing his streak of seven-straight prelim wins last year, Bell is hungrier than ever to outshine Tanner Thorson.
Speaking of Thorson, the 2022 Chili Bowl champion is a force to be reckoned with. With six lock-in finishes in the last seven years, he’s mastered the prelim process. But here’s the bold question: Can he surpass Jerry Coons Jr.’s record of 14 consecutive Championship A-Main appearances? Thorson, like Bell, builds his own cars and is aiming for his 12th straight A-Main this week. The battle between these two titans is one you won’t want to miss.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bernal of Matt Wood Racing is back after snatching the final lock-in spot from Bell last year. Is history poised to repeat itself? While MWR hasn’t locked in a win this week, their consistency is unmatched, with top-five finishes in 12 of their last 13 prelims. Spencer Bayston of RMS Racing is another contender to watch. After a disappointing 2025, he’s returned to the setup that brought him success in 2024, reigniting his confidence.
Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports is sending Jacob Denney and Ashton Torgerson into the fray. Denney, fresh off a 16-win outdoor campaign, is aiming for his second A-Main appearance, while Torgerson seeks his first. Chad Boat’s team, featuring Chris Windom, is also in the mix. Windom, a World of Outlaws star, is one of only 18 drivers with 10+ A-Main starts but is still chasing his first prelim win. Will this be his year?
Alex Bowman Racing, already locked in after Briggs Danner’s strong showing on Monday, fields C.J. Leary, who’s gunning for his sixth A-Main appearance. But the field doesn’t stop there. Brady Bacon, Chase Briscoe’s entry with Karter Sarff, Kansas’ Andrew Deal, and Oklahoma’s Frank Flud are just a few of the aces ready to race. Who will rise to the top?
The rookie class is equally impressive, with 18 newcomers, including High Limit Racing’s Danny Sams III and IRA Sprint Car Rookie of the Year Logan Julien. But the real story is 14-year-old Jett Barnes, who’s emerged as the favorite for Rookie of the Year after a stunning third-place finish on Tuesday. Will he continue his dominance, or will another rookie steal the spotlight?
As the heat races begin at 4 p.m. CT, the question remains: Who will secure those precious lock-in spots? If you can’t make it to Tulsa, FloRacing has you covered with live coverage starting at 3 p.m. CT. But here’s the final thought: With so much talent on the track, who do you think will come out on top? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your predictions!
