As the 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals approaches an all-time high of entries and sits on the cusp of 400 competitors, the Golden Driller can be won by a long, long list of worthy contenders. For the sake of time, we capped ourselves at 50 of the most notable names you should keep your eye on next week on FloRacing.

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Logan Seavey (Swindell/Curb/Bertrand #39) 

This list isn’t numbered, but if it were, the #39 would have to be #1. Logan Seavey and Kevin Swindell, with partners Mike Curb and Bertrand Motorsports, have been unstoppable in the Tulsa Expo lately. They averaged a 1.4 finish over seven events in the building last year, on their way to sweeping the Race of Champions, Preliminary A-Main, and Championship A-Main. Now they go for a third-consecutive Golden Driller together.

Kyle Larson (Silva Motorsports #1K)

The two-time Chili Bowl champion briefly came back to the building last year for a quick 12-hours in a last-minute attempt, but it ended with a preliminary DNF. Next week will mark his first real run at a third CBN Golden Driller since 2022, when he finished 6th. Fresh off two Tulsa Shootout titles, the former NASCAR champion is bringing Paul Silva back to the Tulsa Expo and adding teammate Tyler Courtney to the stable this year.

Christopher Bell (Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #71W)

After a two-year hiatus, CBell finally returns to the race he calls home next week. With Joe Gibbs Racing restrictions lifted, the Norman, OK native is right back where he belons on the dirt and he’s wasted no time getting up to speed – out-dueling Larson in a sensational Shootout A-Main last week. Bell is reunited with Keith Kunz and Pete Willoughby in the #71W as he eyes an eighth-straight Thursday night win and a fourth Chili Bowl title come Saturday.

VIDEO: Christopher Bell discusses his return to the Chili Bowl. 

Tanner Thorson (Tanner Thorson Racing #88)

Before some of the leaves of absence begin, Thorson was the last man to defeat Larson, Bell, and Seavey all together back in 2022 when he won the Golden Driller with Reinbold/Underwood Motorsports. Now operating his own outfit, the Minden, NV native looks to extend his streak to 11 consecutive Championship A-Mains as he approaches Jerry Coons Jr’s all-time record of 14 years.

Buddy Kofoid (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #71)

For five years now, Michael, whom we call “Buddy,” has been a contender for the Chili Bowl Golden Driller each time. Last year marked the closest he’s been yet, finishing runner-up right on the back bumper of Seavey. After a phenomenal World of Outlaws rookie campaign and New Zealand Midget Title here recently, Kofoid is ready to come back to the Expo and deliver another title in Tulsa for the Keith Kunz camp he’s been so loyal to.

Corey Day (Willie Kahne #41)

Now signed to Hendrick Motorsports, the Clovis, CA native still plans a healthy dirt racing schedule in 2025 and that begins with his fourth trip to Chili Bowl, where he’s asserted himself as one of the top dogs since aligning with Willie Kahne. Day and Kahne topped Wednesday’s preliminary last year and still managed a podium in the 55-lap finale while the teenager fought an illness. At 100% now, keep your eye on this kid as he looks for a Chili Bowl Golden Driller to go with his Tulsa Shootout Restricted title.

Cannon McIntosh (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #71K)

Twice a podium finisher in Saturday’s finale, Cannon ran third behind Larson & Bell in 2020, then third behind Seavey & Thorson in 2023. Each of those other four are already Chili Bowl champions, a feat that the Bixby, OK native desperately wants to put on his resume. The KKM star comes back to Tulsa after a dominating 2024 campaign with titles in Xtreme Outlaw and POWRi. He’s going for his fourth Monday night preliminary win in the last six years.

Justin Grant (CB Industries #87)

Arguably the biggest change for any contender to win this year comes from Justin Grant departing RMS Racing and joining CB Industries. Grant is a three-time podium finisher at the Chili Bowl and a Friday night winner five times, whereas Chad Boat’s CB Industries unit is fresh off a USAC championship and has battled for Golden Drillers before with CBell. This pairing in the NOS Energy Drink #87 will be among the most interesting to see how they perform.

Emerson Axsom (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #68K)

At only 20-years-old, this Franklin, IN native has built an absurd resume in the Tulsa Expo Center. He’s already amassed 21 A-Main starts at the Tulsa Shootout with four Golden Drillers on his mantle, and he picked up his first Chili Bowl top-five back in 2023 as an 18-year-old. This year, he joins forced with the potent KKM squad in his last chance to unseat Kevin Swindell as the youngest winner in Chili Bowl Nationals history.

Daison Pursley (CB Industries #86)

It’s been the path less traveled the last two years, but Daison Pursley has ran the alphabet soup to back-to-back Chili Bowl Championship A-Mains. After a C-B-A effort in 2023, he topped that in 2024 by going D-C-B-A and charging all the way to 4th in the final. With the USAC National Midget Championship in his pocket, he’s got more confidence than ever going into the Chili Bowl with CB Industries next week.

Spencer Bayston (RMS Racing #1S)

Always known as a great Midget racer, this High Roller seems to have turned it up a notch lately with RMS Racing inside the Tulsa Expo. After a Race of Champions win in 2023, Bayston backed that up with a Thursday preliminary win in 2024 and a top-10 finish come Saturday night. He remains in the familiar #1S and looks to pose another threat every time he hits the track next week.

Shane Golobic (Matt Wood Racing #17W)

As consistent as they come, you can always count on “Sugar Shane” in a Matt Wood Racing ride. The Californian has placed 4th and 6th the last two years at Chili Bowl, his two career-best efforts on Saturday night. In his prelim, he is always at the front of the field – besides one DNF (which occurred battling for a lock-in), he’s been top-10 for each of the last 12 years.

Tyler Courtney (Silva Motorsports #23C)

A B-Main bid last year ended a six-year streak for “Sunshine” being in the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main, only motivation to fire another streak back up this year. With Clauson-Marshall Racing no longer in the Midget game, the Hoosier native landed softly in the Silva Motorsports #23C, teaming with two-time Chili Bowl champ Kyle Larson. Something new in 2025, he’ll switch to Friday for his preliminary night.

Brad Sweet (RMS Racing #3T)

Another High Roller in the field, “The Big Cat” will fly straight from Australia to Tulsa as he ends a two-year absence from the Chili Bowl. Teaming back up with RMS Racing, Sweet will run on Tuesday as he hopes to extend his 100% top-10 success rate in the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main – making six starts with six top-10s, and a career-best of 3rd in 2023.

Michael Pickens (Kunz/Curb/Aganaian)

The Kiwi said it was “a dream come true” to land a ride with Keith Kunz for this year’s Chili Bowl, arguably his best shot ever at the Golden Driller. Pickens is already a seven-time starter in the Championship A-Main and finished on the podium in 2011 behind Kevin and Sammy Swindell.

C.J. Leary (Alex Bowman Racing #55V)

One of four Alex Bowman Racing cars on this list, Leary is one of the OG ABR entrants and entering year eight with the team. This pairing has made the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main on three occasions, placing top-10 twice, including a 7th in 2022. He’ll team with KTJ, Swanson, and Danner as ABR grows bigger than ever.

Jonathan Beason (Hard 8 Racing #8J)

When the racing begins under a roof, you know it’s BZN SZN. A seven-time Chili Bowl Championship A-Main starter and three-time top-10 finisher, this local Broken Arrow, OK native always shines when Chili Bowl rolls around. He’s back with a familiar look in his Hard 8 Racing #8J and poised to threaten for Tuesday’s win as he returns to his traditional prelim night.

Chris Windom (CB Industries #89)

One of only 17 men to start 10+ Chili Bowl Championship A-Mains, Windom’s tenure in Tulsa goes way back to 2006. The fourth of an impressive six-man lineup for CB Industries, the Canton, IL native will switch to Thursday’s preliminary this year. Before his rookie run begins with the World of Outlaws, Windom is eying his second-career top-five in the Chili Bowl finale.

Brady Bacon (TKH Motorsports #21H)

All set for his 21st consecutive appearance at the Chili Bowl, “The Macho Man” once again runs with TKH Motorsports and teammate Kameron Key in his stable. After back-to-back A-Mains in 2021-22, Bacon has barely been outside looking in from the B-Main in 2023-24. He’ll try to right that ship and get back into Saturday’s big dance through a ticket from Thursday’s preliminary.

Ricky Thornton Jr. (Reinbold/Underwood Motorsports #19R)

RTJ will have the most logically challenging week of anyone competing in the Chili Bowl Nationals. He’ll run the Race of Champions on Monday, his preliminary on Tuesday, then fly to Georgia for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. As far as Saturday’s finale, where RTJ has fell two spots and five spots shy of the Championship A-Main in the last two years, that will be a gametime decision.

VIDEO: Ricky Thornton Jr. breaks down logistics of racing Chili Bowl and Golden Isles in the same week. 

Zach Daum (Trifecta Motorsports #7U)

It’s hard to believe “The Dauminator” hasn’t been in the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main since 2020, but he’s been in contention every year since battling the B/C-Mains. The four-time top-10 finisher and former preliminary winner is now piloting a stout Trifecta Motorsports #7U, competing in what they call “7uesday’s” preliminary.

Kaylee Bryson (Abacus Racing #57)

Forever the first female to qualify for the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main, Bryson backed up that feat she accomplished in 2022 by adding another feature start in 2023. After a trial with Sammy Swindell last year, the USAC Silver Crown winner is moving to Abacus Racing and Tuesday’s preliminary, driving the potent #57 that Logan Seavey ran with USAC all year. She’ll team with IndyCar competitors Katherine Legg and Santino Ferruci.

Karter Sarff (Chase Briscoe Racing (#5)

Slowly but surely, Karter Sarff has been quietly improving his game and becoming a force in the Midget ranks. The Mason City, IL native is entering year six at Chili Bowl with more momentum than ever, especially after qualifying for his first Championship A-Main last year and now driving for Chase Briscoe Racing in a Mobil1 entry.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (CB Industries #86X)

Another one of the surprise last-minute entries last year, like Larson, RSJ is now back for the full meal deal in 2025. The NASCAR Cup Series star will round out the lineup for CB Industries in Friday’s preliminary alongside new teammate Justin Grant, both in a pair of NOS Energy Drink rides. The Olive Branch, MS native is going for his ninth Chili Bowl Championship A-Main start.

Hank Davis (Matt Seymour Racing #29S)

Out of the blue, local Sand Springs, OK racer Hank Davis has asserted himself as one of the true underdog contenders at the Chili Bowl. After his breakout moment came from winning the 2023 Tuesday preliminary, he backed it up in 2024 by locking-in with Tuesday winner Buddy Kofoid and then collecting his first-career top-five in Saturday’s Championship A-Main. Expect more success from Davis, teammate Tim Buckwalter, and the MSR group next week.

Tanner Carrick (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #98)

A preliminary winner in two of the last three years, Carrick has risen to the challenge of taking on Cannon McIntosh for Mr. Monday Night honors. In his two Championship A-Main appearances, the Californian has remained at the front of the field finishing 5th and 7th.

Alex Bright (Mike & Brian Dunlap #32C)

A former preliminary winner in 2014, Bright has a new home for the 2025 Chili Bowl as he joins Mike and Brian Dunlap’s two-car unit with teammate Gary Taylor. The Pennsylvanian will be going for his fourth Chili Bowl Championship A-Main while he hopes to deliver what has been a long-time-coming first for the Dunlap family.

Brent Crews (Paul May Motorsports #71C)

With a Golden Driller now on his mantle from Stock Non-Wing at the Tulsa Shootout, Crews is fired up to chase another at the Chili Bowl Nationals with Paul May. In 2023, he became the youngest Championship A-Main starter in event history and now he has another 4-5 years’ worth of chances to become the youngest winner we’ve ever seen.

Daryn Pittman (Matt Wood Racing #21)

Pittman can call himself “retired” or “part-time” as much as he wants, but the fact of the matter is he still gasses it just as hard in Tulsa as he did when he made his first A-Main in 1999. Over the last 15 years, he’s been in either the A-Main or B-Main in 14 of those years, including two top-five finishes and one Championship runner-up to CBell in 2017. The UltraShield owner is once again running with Matt Wood Racing next week.

J.J. Yeley (Petty Performance #3J)

A Chili Bowl contender since the mid 90’s, Yeley has turned in his share of historic performances over the years in Tulsa – his most iconic being that F-Main to A-Main charge in 2004, which netted a nice podium effort after passing 69 cars. The NASCAR racer will run the Petty Performance #3J next week as he chases a ninth appearance in the Championship A-Main.

Jake Swanson (Alex Bowman Racing #55A)

Since 2015, Swanson has always made it to “TV Time” in Tulsa – considered the C/B/A-Mains on Saturday night. Last year, he added his second Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance and finished 10th to go along with a top-five from the 2017 running. The Californian is back in an Ally Racing ride for Alex Bowman as he returns to Wednesday’s prelim.

Andrew Felker (Cooper & Hudson Felker #11A)

A sneaky threat year-in and year-out, this Missourian rides a wave of 15 consecutive preliminary A-Mains into what will be his 18th attempt in Tulsa next week. In a flashy #11A with ownership from his little boys Cooper and Hudson, Felker nearly locked-in on Friday last year and eventually qualified for his third Chili Bowl Championship A-Main – a feat he hopes to push to four next week.

Ryan Timms (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #67)

Speaking of Friday night last year, Timms was in the thick of things the whole race before ultimately finishing 2nd to Logan Seavey on the final lap. However, he still locked-in for his second Chili Bowl Championship A-Main. Before beginning an aggressive true outlaw schedule in the 410 Sprint Car ranks, the Oklahoma City kid gets one more run with Keith Kunz in the building.

Clinton Boyles (Scott Beierle #11B)

Almost more than he wants it for himself, Clinton Boyles is determined to qualify for the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main so that he can put himself and his father, Joe Boyles, in the record books as the ninth father/son duo to both qualify for the big dance. He’s been on the verge since climbing in the Big Dog #11B, appearing in back-to-back B-Mains in 2022-23.

Kyle Busch (Kyle Busch Motorsports #51K)

While he is a Chili Bowl Nationals rookie, KFB does have several years of laps underneath his belt at the Tulsa Expo as a Tulsa Shootout competitor. The Busch family even has a Golden Driller on their mantle after young Brexton topped the Jr. Sprint division last week. Now, it’s Kyle’s turn to take the spotlight as he makes his first attempt at Chili Bowl in Friday’s preliminary aboard the #51K.

Colby Copeland (Matt Wood Racing #27W)

A Championship A-Main starter in six of the last eight years, Copeland consistently performs in his Matt Wood Racing ride. He’ll look to add a seventh start to his resume through next Wednesday’s preliminary.

Ace McCarthy (Tanner Thorson Racing #28)

Although he’s yet to start Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main, McCarthy has been on the cusp of making it four times now through the B-Main. He’s finished top-10 in his last two Friday night prelims and with Tanner Thorson on the wrenches, it would be no surprise if this is the year that Ace finally puts it in the show.

Michael Faccinto (Trifecta Motorsports #5U)

Now a three-time Chili Bowl Championship A-Main starter, Faccinto returns with Trifecta Motorsports in the #5U next week. This pairing resulted in his career-best effort last year, earning a 9th-place effort on Saturday. 

Kale Drake (Kunz/Curb/Agajanian #97K)

The reigning Chili Bowl Nationals Rookie of the Year, Kale Drake joined recent studs including Jade Avedisian (2023), Corey Day (2022), Buddy Kofoid (2020), and Giovanni Scelzi (2018) in qualifying for the Championship A-Main in his first try. The local Collinsville, OK native is back with Keith Kunz as he tries to go two-for-two in A-Main starts.

Kevin Thomas Jr. (Alex Bowman Racing #55X)

The second of Alex Bowman’s four cars belongs to KTJ in Tuesday’s preliminary. After every car made it to the B-Main or better last year, the Alabama native hopes to put the #55X one main better as he looks for his fourth appearance in Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main.

Steven Snyder Jr. (Chase McDermand Racing #40X)

After a heartbreaking Tulsa Shootout loss, which saw him DNF in Outlaw Non-Wing after going from 21st-to-1st, Snyder is full focus towards the Chili Bowl. He’s reunited with Chase McDermand and hoping for back-to-back trips to the Championship A-Main on Saturday.

Kameron Key (TKH Motorsports #21J)

This Warrensburg, MO racer joined TKH Motorsports’ Chili Bowl lineup in 2023 and has quickly risen to the challenge in Tulsa. He competed for a Tuesday night preliminary lock-in in 2023 and in 2024, made his first Chili Bowl Championship A-Main in the #21J. With veteran teammate Brady Bacon calling the shots, you can expect “cousin Kameron” to again compete at the front next week.

Joe B. Miller (Lewis Trucking #51B)

A two-time Chili Bowl Championship A-Main starter in 2016 and 2021, Joe B. has been on the edge of adding a third appearance in the last few years. He remains in the Lewis Trucking #51B, eyeing his fourth top-10 in preliminary action when he goes Monday night.

Tim Buckwalter (Matt Seymour Racing #29)

Since teaming with Matt Seymour, Buckwalter has become a consistent presence in Tulsa with appearances in the B-Main, A-Main (19th), A-Main (9th), and B-Main over the last four years. He’s back on Wednesday night this year trying to add to teammate Hank Davis’ previous preliminary magic.

Ryan Bernal (Matt Wood Racing #87W)

It’s been back-to-back years of 13th in the B-Main for Ryan Bernal as he continues to chase that fourth trip to Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main. The Matt Wood Racing pilot will again go in Thursday’s prelim with sights set on topping his career-best of P5 from the 2018 running.

Chase McDermand (Chase McDermand Racing #40M)

One heartbreaking spot is all that stood between McDermand and his second Chili Bowl Championship A-Main last year, finishing 8th in the B-Main. Supplying his own three-car outfit, the Springfield, IL native is back for redemption in what will be his fifth try in Tulsa.

Nick Hoffman (Jeff Taylor #2H)

From DIRTcar Modified legend to World of Outlaws Late Model championship contender to Chili Bowl regular, this guy does it all. Hoffman is coming back to Tulsa for his fifth attempt and he’s proven to come back better year-after-year. Driving for Jeff Taylor, Hoffman has finished top-10 in two of his prelims and reached Saturday’s B-Main twice as well. Is this the year he finally appears in the Championship A-Main?

Briggs Danner (Alex Bowman Racing (#55I)

The leadoff man and newest member of Alex Bowman Racing, Briggs Danner will drive the #55I in Monday’s opening preliminary next week. The Pennsylvanian returns to Tulsa after a breakout year in the USAC ranks which traces back to the Expo last January when he qualified for his first Chili Bowl Championship A-Main.

Thomas Meseraull (Engler #7X)

A chaotic last-lap B-Main Hail Mary that sent him flipping is the only thing that stopped T-Mez from a fifth-consecutive Chili Bowl Championship A-Main last year. Back with a vengeance, the San Jose, CA native again drives Tim Engler’s #7X in pursuit of an 11th A-Main appearance in Tulsa.

Ty Gibbs (CB Industries #81)

One of 83 rookies entered this year, Ty Gibbs is one of the most experienced rookies in the field, but he does have zero laps inside the Tulsa Expo. The former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion will drive one of the best cars in the building, however, when he steps into Chad Boat’s CB Industries #81 in Tuesday’s preliminary night.

How To Watch Chili Bowl 2025 Stream

The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals will be broadcast on FloRacing and the FloSports App in the United States.

Chili Bowl Nationals Schedule 2025

All Times Eastern. 

Sunday, January 12, 2025 – Practice

• Building Open: 8:00 a.m.
• Practice: 10:00 a.m.

Monday, January 13, 2025 – Cummins, Inc. Qualifying Night + ROC

• Building opens: 10:00 a.m.
• Building secured: 2:00 p.m.
• Draw for Lineups: 3:00 p.m.
• Driver's meeting: 4:00 p.m.
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m.
• Races: 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Warren CAT Qualifying Night

• Building opens: 10:00 a.m.
• Building secured: 2:00 p.m.
• Draw for Lineups: 3:00 p.m.
• Driver's meeting: 4:00 p.m.
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m.
• Races: 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – York Plumbing Qualifying Night

• Building opens: 10:00 a.m.
• Building secured: 2:00 p.m.
• Draw for Lineups: 3:00 p.m.
• Driver's meeting: 4:00 p.m.
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m.
• Races: 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 – Hasty Bake Qualifying Night

• Building opens: 10:00 a.m.
• Building secured: 2:00 p.m.
• Draw for Lineups: 3:00 p.m.
• Driver's meeting: 4:00 p.m.
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m.
• Races: 6:00 p.m.