With the 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy drawing more than 400 entries for the first time ever, the list of Golden Driller contenders and especially Championship A-Main starters is quite long. After all, this is the melting pot of motorsports with stars from all corners of the sport piling into Tulsa’s SageNet Center.

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As Saturday’s main event returns to 55 laps, Walkapedia broke down 55 notable names to watch as FloRacing brings you wall-to-wall coverage of the event this week. 

Kyle Larson (Kyle Larson Racing #1K)

This list isn’t numbered, but if it were, the #1K has earned the right to be listed numero uno. The now three-time Chili Bowl champion is back with Paul Silva on the wrenches of the HendrickCars.com, FloRacing ride. He’s chasing a fourth Chili Bowl title this week, which would tie him with Kevin Swindell for second-most all-time behind only Slammin’ Sammy Swindell’s five. The now two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion will double up on Monday night with the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions and his preliminary program.

Christopher Bell (Christopher Bell Racing #21CB)

For the first time in his career, Christopher Bell is bringing his own race cars into the SageNet Center for the Chili Bowl Nationals. He brought his own operation to the Tulsa Shootout last year and outdueled Kyle Larson in an epic Outlaw Non-Wing 55-lapper. After winning three Golden Drillers driving for Keith Kunz and Pete Willoughby, then falling short in two tries with Chad Boat, CBell said he feels more pressure than ever being responsible as the car owner, but it will be much more rewarding if he can pull off a ninth prelim win on Thursday and perhaps a fourth Golden Driller on Saturday.

Logan Seavey (Swindell/Curb/Bertrand #39) 

After back-to-back years of standing at the mountaintop, Logan Seavey and Kevin Swindell, along with partners Mike Curb and Todd Bertrand, were dethroned in 2025 when Kyle Larson reclaimed the Golden Driller. Back with an expanded four-car lineup, Seavey has the benefit of watching teammates Jett Barnes, Emerson Axsom & Kyle Cummins run before he chases a fourth-straight Friday night preliminary win.

Tanner Thorson (Tanner Thorson Racing #88)

Back in 2022, Thorson was the man who defeated Larson, CBell & Seavey for his first Golden Driller - that was with Reinbold/Underwood Motorsports. The High Roller now operates his own outfit and wants to win it his own way, going for his seventh lock-in in eight years and potentially his fourth prelim win on Thursday. Another Championship A-Main appearance come Saturday would be his 12th-straight, approaching Jerry Coons Jr’s all-time record of 14 years.

Buddy Kofoid (Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #71W)

For six years now, Michael, whom we call “Buddy,” has been a contender for the Chili Bowl Golden Driller each time. After a desperation charge through Tuesday’s prelim, Kofoid salvaged his third top-10 in the Championship A-Main last year - but the closest he’s been to the Golden Driller remains 2024, when he ran second to Seavey. Fresh off the best season of his life, the California native hopes to take Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports back to the top as he now spearheads the camp.

Corey Day (Willie Kahne #41)

Before his pavement career takes off with a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts campaign driving for Hendrick Motorsports this year, the Clovis, California native is back in the building with Factory Kahne for his fifth Chili Bowl try. Together, they’re preliminary winners and podium finishers in the 55-lap finale, asserting themselves as consistent contenders to win it all. The 20-year-old could become the youngest champion in event history if he were to add a Chili Bowl Golden Driller next to his Tulsa Shootout Restricted title from when he was 13-years-old.

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 2025 campaign which saw him add a USAC National Midget championship to his previous titles with POWRi and Xtreme Outlaw.. He’s going for his fourth Monday night preliminary win in the last seven years.

Justin Grant (CB Industries #87)

With a year under their belts now, Justin Grant and Chad Boat are back together for their second try as a team at the Chili Bowl. JG is a three-time podium finisher at the Chili Bowl and a Friday night winner five times. Both the driver and the team have been agonizingly close to the Golden Driller in recent years, but have yet to firmly grasp it. The NOS Energy Drink #87 will be one of the favorites to battle Seavey in the final prelim.

Emerson Axsom (Swindell/Harvey/Curb #39A)

At  only 21-years-old, this Franklin, IN native has built an absurd resume in the Tulsa Expo Center. He’s already amassed 23 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. The rising star in the Sprint Car ranks has found a new home for this week - after runs with Petry, Clauson, Reinbold, and Kunz - driving for Swindell/Harvey/Curb in a #39A entry. Emerson’s fifth title in the building would mean Kevin’s 10th overall Golden Driller.

Daison Pursley (CB Industries #86)

With a Golden Driller finally sitting on his mantle - after winning Winged Outlaw at the Tulsa Shootout last week - Pursley returns to the Chili Bowl with a bit of weight off his shoulders. It’s not all gone, though, this is the one he desperately wants to win; especially after coming so close to beating Larson last year. The Oklahoma native is more confident than ever as he chases gold with Chad Boat before his stint with Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb begins on the High Limit tour.

Spencer Bayston (RMS Racing #1S)

Always known as a great Midget racer, the new pilot of the Stenhouse Jr. / Marshall Racing, NOS Energy Drink #17 is back for his sixth year with RMS Racing. Together, they’ve won the Race of Champions in 2023, topped a preliminary night in 2024, and finished top-10 in the big dance. After a less than desirable 2025, they’ve returned to the faithful car that delivered their best results in the building. He’ll go in Thursday’s prelim against one of the toughest fields of the 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 is arguably at his peak in the Expo right now, finishing fourth, sixth, and third in the last years - earning his first-career Chili Bowl Championship A-Main podium last year.  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 13 years and locked-in three-straight now on Monday.

Michael Pickens (RMS Racing #54NZ)

The always-quick Kiwi has re-teamed with RMS Racing after a try with Keith Kunz last year. He’s a seven-time starter in the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main with a podium finish behind Kevin and Sammy Swindell on his resume from 2011. Pickens hopes his return to Matt & Dave Estep’s operation can lead to him becoming the first-ever international driver to take the Golden Driller out of the United States.

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

Leaning down from four cars to a focus on two, Alex Bowman Racing continues to run through C.J. Leary in his ninth year 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. Before he goes on Thursday night, he’ll watch teammate Briggs Danner dance around the Tulsa Expo first.

Jonathan Beason (Jody Rosenboom #8J)

When the racing begins under a roof, you know it’s BZN SZN. An eight-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 the #8J and poised to threaten for Tuesday’s win with loads of confidence after winning the Outlaw Non-Wing finale of the Tulsa Shootout last week.

Chris Windom (CB Industries #89)

One of only 18 men to start 10+ Chili Bowl Championship A-Mains, Windom’s tenure in Tulsa goes way back to 2006. The fourth of an impressive five-man lineup for CB Industries, the Canton, IL native will rock with Thursday’s preliminary round this year as he continues to chase his second-career top-five in Saturday’s main event.

Brady Bacon (TKH Motorsports #21H)

All set for his 22nd consecutive appearance at the Chili Bowl, “The Macho Man” once again runs with TKH Motorsports and adds teammate Parker Price-Miller to the fold this year. After back-to-back A-Mains in 2021-22, Bacon has barely been outside looking in from the B-Main in 2023-24, then C-Main last year. 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)

Fresh off a win at the Wild West Shootout on Saturday, RTJ hopped on a plane and flew straight to Tulsa from Arizona because he just can’t stay away from the Expo. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series star is back with Andy Reinbold’s boys and will get to run the Race of Champions on Monday before his Tuesday prelim. As far as Saturday’s finale, RTJ has fallen two spots and five spots shy of the Championship A-Main in recent years.

Zach Daum (Andy Bondio #47X)

It’s hard to believe “The Dauminator” hasn’t been in the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main since 2020, but he’s remained in contention battling in B/C-Mains. The four-time top-10 finisher and former preliminary winner is reunited with three-time Chili Bowl champion car owner, Andy Bondio, in his iconic #47X machine.

Kaylee Bryson (Abacus Racing #11F)

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 in 2024, the USAC Silver Crown winner moved to Abacus Racing last year and made it to Saturday’s B-Main. She’ll certainly be one to watch in pursuit of a third start in Saturday’s big dance.

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 seven at Chili Bowl with hopes of making his second Championship A-Main on Saturday. He’s back with Chase Briscoe Racing after climbing to the C-Main together last year.

Hank Davis (Matt Seymour Racing #29S)

Out of the blue, local Sand Springs, OK racer Hank Davis has asserted himself as one of the consistent 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 four years, Carrick has risen to the challenge of taking on Cannon McIntosh, Kyle Larson, and Shane Golobic 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 is back with Mike and Brian Dunlap’s two-car unit as teammates to 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.

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 16 years, he’s been in either the A-Main or B-Main in 15 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 in Friday’s final prelim, after finishing fourth that night last year.

J.J. Yeley (Rossi/Petty Racing #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 Rossi/Petty #3J this week as he chases a ninth appearance in the Championship A-Main.

Jake Swanson (Beilman Motorsports #31B)

Since 2015, Swanson has always made it to “TV Time” in Tulsa – considered the C/B/A-Mains on Saturday night. He added his second Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance in 2024 and finished 10th to go along with a top-five from the 2017 running. The Californian is now teamed with Beilman Motorsports after his tenure with Alex Bowman.

Andrew Felker (Cooper & Hudson Felker #11A)

A sneaky threat year-in and year-out, this Missourian rides a wave of 16 consecutive preliminary A-Mains into what will be his 19th attempt in Tulsa this week. In a flashy #11A with ownership from his little boys Cooper and Hudson, Felker nearly locked-in on Friday just two years ago 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 #71)

Speaking of Friday night, Timms, who has been contending for that prelim win for multiple years now, is arguably the most notable preliminary night change this year as he goes to Wednesday to face Axsom, Pursley, and Day. The Knoxville Nationals champion is going for his third Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance in the always-potent Keith Kunz #71.

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, and then contending for a lock-in spot in Tuesday’s prelim last year.

Colby Copeland (Matt Wood Racing #27W)

A Championship A-Main starter in six of the last nine years, Copeland consistently performs in his Matt Wood Racing ride. He’ll look to add a seventh start to his resume through Wednesday’s preliminary. Hopes are high in the MWR camp after Golobic, Bernal, and Brooks all put it in the top-five of the Championship A-Main last year.

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 this week. This pairing resulted in his career-best effort in 2024, earning a 9th-place effort on Saturday. The two-time Tulsa Shootout champ is the fourth and final entry for the team as he’ll follow teammates Kameron Key, Chase Randall, and Kevin Newton.

Kale Drake (RMS Racing #4KD)

A former 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. He came back last year and remains perfect in making the big dance, going two-for-two now. After those starts came with Keith Kunz, the Okie now transitions to RMS Racing this week.

Kevin Thomas Jr. (4-Kings Racing #14K)

After two years with Alex Bowman, KTJ is now heading into the Expo with 4-Kings Racing. The Alabama native is going for his fourth appearance in Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main, where he already owns two top-10 finishes.

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

After another heartbreaking Tulsa Shootout, where he has risen as one of the best to not win a Golden Driller yet, Snyder is full focus towards the Chili Bowl. He’s reunited with Chase McDermand and hoping for his second trip to the Championship A-Main on Saturday after ending his week in the C-Main last year.

Kameron Key (Trifecta Motorsports #9U)

This Warrensburg, MO racer has gone from TKH Motorsports to Trifecta Motorsports, after competing with the Tulsa-based team on the national level all year. K2 has competed for a Tuesday night preliminary lock-in the last three years and made his first Chili Bowl Championship A-Main in 2024. “Cousin Kameron” will be the leadoff man for Trifecta's four-car lineup this week as he goes on Monday.

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 fifth 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), B-Main, and A-Main (13th) over the last five 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)

Last year, Bernal was part of that incredible Thursday night finish that saw him unseat Christopher Bell for the final lock-in behind Tanner Thorson. It led him to his fourth Chili Bowl Championship A-Main and ultimately his second top-five finish in the finale. He’s back with Matt Wood Racing, which has proven itself as one of the top teams in the building these days.

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 sixth 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)

When he debuted for ABR last year, Briggs instantly proved they’ll be good together when he was battling for Monday’s preliminary win before the cushion but him. The Pennsylvanian returns to Tulsa after another breakout year in the USAC ranks, chasing his second Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance this week, but first since joining Bowman.

Thomas Meseraull (Engler #7X)

Going for his 11th Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance, T-Mez is once again teamed with Tim Engler in Tulsa. The San Jose, California native is always one of the most exciting drivers to watch in the Expo, and that will certainly be the case when goes out in Wednesday’s prelim.

Ty Gibbs (CB Industries #84)

No longer a rookie, Ty Gibbs is back in Tulsa after he made his Chili Bowl debut last year by almost making his preliminary night A-Main and then winning the G-Main in Saturday’s alphabet soup. The NASCAR Cup Series racer has undoubtedly improved on dirt with Chad Boat in his corner, qualifying for the Tulsa Shootout A-Main last week in a field with almost 400 cars.

Gavan Boschele (Kyle Busch #51B)

After sitting out last year, this North Carolina kid has teamed with Kyle Busch and “Big Al” to turn to Tulsa in pursuit of his first-career Chili Bowl Championship A-Main start - after coming close in the B-Main twice before. He’s already a Tulsa Shootout champion with Swindell SpeedLab, and hopes that success transitions to KBM.

Landon Brooks (Matt Wood Racing #57W)

Brooks busted on the scene in a big way last year - winning Tuesday’s preliminary night and then carrying that into a front row seat for the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main, where he finished top-five on Saturday. He’s the second of five Matt Wood Racing cars to go, hoping for back-to-back wins on Tuesday.

Gavin Miller (Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #97)

In his third try at the Chili Bowl last year, Miller made it to the Championship A-Main for the first time in his career after locking-in on Friday. It resulted in a top-10 finish in the finale and propelled the kid five to five wins on the national tour along with 22 podium finishes. He’s back on Friday night as one of the favorites to battle for another lock-in.

Frank Flud (Jody Rosenboom #81F)

After making all four Stock/Outlaw A-Mains last week at the Tulsa Shootout and winning his sixth Golden Driller with an A-Class title, Flud is back in the Expo with tons of confidence in his Jody Rosenboom ride - which he drove to his first Chili Bowl Championship A-Main start last year. They try for back-to-back trips to the big dance this week.

Corbin Rueschenberg (Rueschenberg #26)

This Arizona native turned heads last year when he finished fourth in Tuesday’s prelim and parlayed that with his first trip to Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main. He’s got Tanner Thorson in his corner and working on his car as he goes in the second prelim again this week.

Tyler Edwards (Mounce/Stout #56E)

The dude they call “TED” warmed a lot of hearts last year when he wheeled it to his first Chili Bowl Championship A-Main appearance. He’s doing it again with Mounce/Stout this week in hopes of making it a second time.

Brenham Crouch (Crouch #1)

Normally a High Roller with CJB Motorsports, this Texan impressed many when he led laps and locked-in with a runner-up finish last year on Tuesday night. It led to his first appearance in Saturday’s Chili Bowl Championship A-Main and was made even sweeter by the fact that it was in his family-owned #1.

Mitchel Moles (Reinbold/Underwood #19T)

After finishing runner-up in the USAC National Sprint Car Championship, Moles and the AME camp head to Tulsa feeling good. They were only four spots shy of making the Chili Bowl Championship A-Main last year, which would be Moles’ second shot in the finale. The former Tulsa Shootout champion goes on Wednesday night following teammate RTJ on Tuesday.

Kyle Cummins (Swindell/Styres/Curb #39G)

Fresh off the best year of his career, which was capped by a USAC National Sprint Car Championship, Cummins is going to the Chili Bowl with one of his best opportunities yet - driving for Kevin Swindell. He’s teamed with Seavey, Axsom & Barnes, going for his second trip to the Championship A-Main on Saturday.

Jacob Denney (Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #67)

In his fifth shot at the Chili Bowl last year, Denney’s transition to Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports is what finally led him to his first Championship A-Main appearance after a top-five in Thursday’s prelim. He’ll try to do it again as one of the young leaders in the KKM camp, following a marvelous 16-win campaign in 2025.

Giovanni Scelzi (Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #71C)

For the first time since 2021, “Hot Sauce” is racing the Chili Bowl Nationals and he’s doing with Chili’s Grill & Bar on his Keith Kunz ride. The High Roller with Spire Motorsports is a former Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year - qualifying for the Championship A-Main in his first try with Clauson-Marshall Racing back in 2018.

That’s just 55 names to watch, but there are 350 more competitors this week as the biggest Chili Bowl Nationals in history goes down live on FloRacing.