The Chili Bowl Nationals is one of dirt racing’s premier events, featuring indoor midget car racing each January in Tulsa. First held in 1987, the event has grown into a cornerstone of the sport, with the upcoming 2026 Chili Bowl (Jan. 12–17) marking the 40th annual running.

When it comes to winning the Chili Bowl, no driver has done it more than Sammy Swindell. A legend of dirt racing, Swindell captured five Chili Bowl championships (1989, 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2009), setting a benchmark that still stands today. 

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His legacy continued through his son, Kevin Swindell, who won four consecutive Chili Bowl titles from 2010 to 2013, making the Swindells the most successful family in event history.

In recent years, Kyle Larson has emerged as the modern standard, winning the Chili Bowl three times (2020, 2021 and 2025). Larson’s impact may extend beyond his own accomplishments.

His children are already making noise—seven-year-old Audrey Larson and 11-year-old Owen Larson both won heat races at the Tulsa Shootout on the same day Kyle won the High Limit International race in Perth. It’s a moment that hints the sport could be witnessing another Swindell-style family dynasty in the making.

Drivers With the Most Chili Bowl Championships of All Time

• Sammy Swindell – 5 wins (1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2009)
• Kevin Swindell – 4 wins (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
• Kyle Larson – 3 wins (2020, 2021, 2025)
• Christopher Bell – 3 wins (2017, 2018, 2019)
• Logan Seavey – 2 wins (2023, 2024)
• Rico Abreu – 2 wins (2015, 2016)
• Tony Stewart – 2 wins (2002, 2007)
• Cory Kruseman – 2 wins (2000, 2004)
• Dan Boorse – 2 wins (1999, 2003)

How To Watch 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals

The Chili Bowl Nationals stream live on FloRacing and the FloSports app.

Past Chili Bowl Nationals Winners

• 2025 – Kyle Larson
• 2024 – Logan Seavey
• 2023 – Logan Seavey
• 2022 – Tanner Thorson
• 2021 – Kyle Larson
• 2020 – Kyle Larson
• 2019 – Christopher Bell
• 2018 – Christopher Bell
• 2017 – Christopher Bell
• 2016 – Rico Abreu
• 2015 – Rico Abreu
• 2014 – Bryan Clauson
• 2013 – Kevin Swindell
• 2012 – Kevin Swindell
• 2011 – Kevin Swindell
• 2010 – Kevin Swindell
• 2009 – Sammy Swindell
• 2008 – Damion Gardner
• 2007 – Tony Stewart
• 2006 – Tim McCreadie
• 2005 – Tracy Hines
• 2004 – Cory Kruseman
• 2003 – Dan Boorse
• 2002 – Tony Stewart
• 2001 – Jay Drake
• 2000 – Cory Kruseman
• 1999 – Dan Boorse
• 1998 – Sammy Swindell
• 1997 – Billy Boat
• 1996 – Sammy Swindell
• 1995 – Donnie Beechler
• 1994 – Andy Hillenburg
• 1993 – Dave Blaney
• 1992 – Sammy Swindell
• 1991 – Leland McSpadden
• 1990 – John Heydenreich
• 1989 – Sammy Swindell
• 1988 – Scott Hatton
• 1987 – Rich Vogler

2026 Chili Bowl Nationals Schedule

Overview

• Jan. 11 – Practice
• Jan. 12 – 2nd Opinion Auto Center Qualifying Night plus the ROC
• Jan. 13 – Warren CAT Qualifying Night
• Jan. 14 – York Plumbing Qualifying Night
• Jan. 15 – Hasty Bake Qualifying Night
• Jan. 16 – Hard Rock Casino Tulsa Qualifying Night
• Jan. 17 – Championship Feature Events

Full Schedule Break Down

Friday, January 9, 2026

• 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM – Move-In

Saturday, January 10, 2026

• 10:00 AM – Building/Pit Pass Booth Open

Sunday, January 11, 2026

• 7:00 AM – Building/Pit Pass Booth Open
• 7:00 AM – Building Secured
• 9:00 AM – Practice

Monday, January 12, 2026

• 9:00 AM – Building Opens
• 11:00 AM – Pit Pass Booth Open
• 1:00 PM – Building Secured
• 2:00 PM – Draw for Lineups
• 3:00 PM – Driver’s Meeting
• 4:00 PM – Hot Laps
• 5:00 PM – Races

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

• 9:00 AM – Building Opens
• 11:00 AM – Pit Pass Booth Open
• 1:00 PM – Building Secured
• 2:00 PM – Draw for Lineups
• 3:00 PM – Driver’s Meeting
• 4:00 PM – Hot Laps
• 5:00 PM – Races

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

• 9:00 AM – Building Opens
• 11:00 AM – Pit Pass Booth Open
• 1:00 PM – Building Secured
• 2:00 PM – Draw for Lineups
• 3:00 PM – Driver’s Meeting
• 4:00 PM – Hot Laps
• 5:00 PM – Races

Thursday, January 15, 2026

• 9:00 AM – Building Opens
• 11:00 AM – Pit Pass Booth Open
• 1:00 PM – Building Secured
• 2:00 PM – Draw for Lineups
• 3:00 PM – Driver’s Meeting
• 4:00 PM – Hot Laps
• 5:00 PM – Races

Friday, January 16, 2026

• 9:00 AM – Building Secured / Pit Pass Booth Open
• 2:00 PM – Draw for Lineups
• 3:00 PM – Driver’s Meeting
• 4:00 PM – Hot Laps
• 5:00 PM – Races

Saturday, January 17, 2026

• 7:30 AM – Building Secured / Trade Show
• 8:00 AM – Pit Pass Booth / Pit Gate
• 8:00 AM – Racers for Christ Service
• 9:00 AM – Feature Hot Laps
• 6:30 PM – Opening Ceremonies

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

Video footage from all events will be archived and stored in a video library for FloRacing subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

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