Todd Gilliland, recognized for his ongoing presence in NASCAR news, has expressed satisfaction as officials prepare to extend the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals Championship A-Feature back to its traditional 55-lap length. The race, which will be held at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, had previously seen its main event shortened to 40 laps last year.
Chili Bowl Nationals Returns to Tradition for Milestone Event
The decision to restore the A-Feature to 55 laps follows a period of change that began in 2012 after the tragic loss of Donnie Ray Crawford. The upcoming 2026 competition marks the 40th anniversary of the Chili Bowl Nationals, a milestone for an event that has grown into one of the most anticipated annual races. Last year, Kyle Larson claimed his third Golden Driller trophy as the champion.
Todd Gilliland, who has previously participated in the Chili Bowl Nationals, responded positively on social media after Matt Weaver of Motorsport.com and the official Chili Bowl Nationals shared news of the change. Weaver’s post on Twitter read, “You’re welcome, everyone,” Matt Weaver, Motorsport.com. Gilliland, who drives for Front Row Motorsports, simply replied, “Thank you.”
The 40th Chili Bowl Nationals is set for January 12-17, 2026. The weeklong event opens on Monday and concludes with the championship feature on Saturday, with preliminary qualifying rounds scheduled throughout the week at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Gilliland’s Recent NASCAR Progress and Team Changes
While awaiting the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, Todd Gilliland is currently in the NASCAR off-season. His most recent Cup Series campaign concluded with a 27th-place points finish, highlighted by one top-five and five top-10 placements. Notably, Gilliland recently transitioned from the No. 38 car to the No. 34, filling the seat after Michael McDowell’s departure from Front Row Motorsports.
Career Highlight at Talladega Boosts Gilliland’s Outlook
Gilliland achieved a significant career milestone in the 2025 YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, securing a runner-up finish—the best result of his Cup Series tenure so far. The race, run on October 19, 2025, brought Gilliland his first top-five finish of the season, surpassing his previous best of fourth place at the 2022 Indianapolis Grand Prix Circuit during his rookie year.
Reflecting on his performance,
“I have high expectations for myself,”
Todd Gilliland said during a post-race interview with The Racing Experts.
“I want to do this more often, I think I can. But you have to definitely enjoy it, I guess, when the opportunities do come, right?”
Todd Gilliland, NASCAR Driver. He added,
“Even at superspeedways, it doesn’t happen every day,”
Todd Gilliland continued.
“So, just really, really pumped for my whole team and I think even as we’re sitting here right now, I’m getting more more of a smile on my face.”
Todd Gilliland, NASCAR Driver.
What Lies Ahead for Todd Gilliland
Todd Gilliland’s next challenge is the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray on February 1, 2026. Shortly after, he will return to points racing at Daytona International Speedway for the 58th running of the Daytona 500, scheduled for February 15 with coverage on FOX Sports and broadcasts available through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Gilliland builds on the momentum from his Talladega success and embraces upcoming NASCAR and Chili Bowl opportunities. With the Chili Bowl A-Feature returning to its iconic distance, the 2026 event in Tulsa stands as a significant chapter in both the race’s and Gilliland’s evolving racing story.
Thank you
— Todd Gilliland (@ToddGilliland_) December 17, 2025
