The storied history of Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink now spans four decades, and the host venue definitely is as notable as the race itself.
Each December, the SageNet Center at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is transformed into the iconic Tulsa Expo Raceway, which will welcome many thousands of spectators for the Tulsa Shootout and then Chili Bowl Nationals.
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The plan is no different for 2026, and the indoor quarter-mile clay oval once again will be the backdrop for unforgettable Chili Bowl moments. The clay itself is a huge part of the legacy and prestige, too. It originally covered the nearby fairgrounds.
The Tulsa Shootout is taking place Dec. 29 through Jan. 3, and the famed venue will host Chili Bowl Nationals from Jan. 12-17.
The 2026 Chili Bowl is the milestone 40th edition of the race, which first was held in 1987. The first Tulsa Shootout was held the year prior.
About The Chili Bowl
Chili Bowl Nationals was created by Tulsa’s Emmett Hahn and Lanny Edwards, who, with the help of their families, have kept the tradition alive for four decades.
The inaugural event in 1987 was a two-day affair featuring 52 Midget cars, and it has grown to include nearly 400 competitors and a schedule that spans five exciting days.
About The SageNet Center
SageNet Center, part of Tulsa’s Expo Square, features more than 446,000 square feet of space across two levels and has been welcoming a plethora of events since the late 1960s.
As a tip of the cap to the venue’s main original occupant, the International Petroleum Exposition, a 43,500-pound, 76-foot-tall Golden Driller statue is part of the landscape of the facility and has become a symbol of Expo Square.
The statue also has become part of the lore of the Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl, as the Golden Driller found a second home atop the trophies handed out at the events. The Golden Driller Trophy is arguably the most recognizable award in dirt track racing.
Read More: What Makes A Golden Driller Trophy So Special?
How To Watch The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals
Chili Bowl Nationals is streaming on FloRacing and the FloSports app.
Non-subscribers interested in watching the race can become FloRacing subscribers by clicking here.
Fans can watch on their SmartTVs, mobile phones or tablets, as well as computers on FloRacing.com.
The FloSports app is available on Roku, FireTV, Samsung, LG, Google Play Store and the Apple Store.
Replays of the event, breaking news and every qualifying race also will be on both platforms.
Those who would like to watch the action in person can find spectator and ticket information here.
40th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals Event Schedule
All Times Listed Are Central Standard Time
Sunday, Jan. 11
- 7 a.m. - Building/Pit Pass Booth Open
- 9 a.m. - Practice
Monday, Jan. 12
- 9 am. - Building Opens
- 11 a.m. - Pit Pass Booth Open
- 1 p.m. - Building Secured
- 2 p.m. - Draw For Lineups
- 3 p.m. - Drivers’ Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Hot Laps
- 5 p.m. - Races
Tuesday, Jan. 13
- 9 a.m. - Building Opens
- 11 a.m. - Pit Pass Booth Open
- 1 p.m. - Building Secured
- 2 p.m. - Draw For Lineups
- 3 p.m. - Drivers’ Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Hot Laps
- 5 p.m. - Races
Wednesday, Jan. 14
- 9 a.m. - Building Opens
- 11 a.m. - Pit Pass Booth Open
- 1 p.m. - Building Secured
- 2 p.m. - Draw For Lineups
- 3 p.m. - Drivers’ Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Hot Laps
- 5 p.m. - Races
Thursday, Jan. 15
- 9 a.m. - Building Opens
- 11 a.m. - Pit Pass Booth Open
- 1 p.m. - Building Secured
- 2 p.m. - Draw for Lineups
- 3 p.m. - Drivers’ Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Hot Laps
- 5 p.m. - Races
Friday, Jan. 16
- 9 a.m. - Building Secured/Pit Pass Booth Open
- 2 p.m. - Draw for Lineups
- 3 p.m. - Drivers’ Meeting
- 4 p.m. - Hot Laps
- 5 p.m. - Races
Saturday, Jan. 17
- 7:30 a.m. - Building Secured/Trade Show
- 8 a.m. - Pit Pass Booth/Pit Gate Open
- 8:15 a.m. - Racers For Christ Service
- 9 a.m. - Feature Hot Laps
- 6:30 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
What Kind Of Cars Race At Chili Bowl Nationals?
Chili Bowl Nationals features Midget cars, which are small vehicles with a high horsepower-to-weight ratio and open wheels, all of which results in speedy and physical racing with banging wheels and flipping cars.
The cars, sometimes mistaken for go-karts, weigh less than 1,000 pounds, including the driver, and while they're small, they're also mighty, featuring four-cylinder engines and 300-400 horsepower. They can accelerate quickly and reach speeds up to 100 miles per hour.
Who Is Racing At Chili Bowl Nationals In 2026?
Chili Bowl Nationals now attracts 300-400 entries each year, and the list for 2026 was closing in on 350 as Christmas approached.
The star-studded field will include drivers from across the globe and throughout the world of motorsports.
To see the current list of entries, which is updated regularly, click here.
Full Race: 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals | Alphabet Soup/Championship Soup
Watch the entire Alphabet Soup from the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals, starting with the P-Mains, all the way through the 40-lap Championship Feature for the Golden Driller on Jan.18, 2025.
How To Watch Every Chili Bowl
With the help of MAVTV and Greg Stephen’s Motorsports Video, FloRacing has assembled every championship feature event replay from the inception of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in 1987!
Fans can watch all 39 main events from the Chili Bowl Nationals (1987-2025) on FloRacing by clicking here.
Archived Footage On FloRacing
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