Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson are spearheading the NASCAR presence at the much-anticipated 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals, confirming their participation for the January event in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their entries promise to bring added excitement to one of the most prestigious dirt midget events, with thousands of fans eager to see NASCAR’s top stars test their skills at the Chili Bowl.
NASCAR Cup Standouts Set for Tulsa Showdown
Kyle Larson enters the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals as the defending champion, after leading every lap of the A-Main in 2025 to secure his third title at the event. Previously, Larson clinched Chili Bowl victories in 2020 and 2021, making him a formidable contender for another Golden Driller trophy this coming year. His return underscores his ability to master different disciplines, further establishing his place among the sport’s elite.
Christopher Bell, renowned for his unparalleled success at the Chili Bowl with three straight wins spanning 2017 to 2019, is also returning to the SageNet Center. Bell consistently achieves top finishes, having secured a top-10 result last year, and his involvement is seen as a significant boost for fans of both NASCAR and dirt racing.
A Growing Field of NASCAR Talent
Beyond Bell and Larson, a host of other NASCAR drivers are set to race in Tulsa, highlighting a strong crossover trend. Ty Gibbs, grandson of Joe Gibbs, is returning for his second attempt at the Chili Bowl. Sheldon Creed, a regular in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, prepares to make his debut at the event, adding another layer of top-tier competition.
Corey Day, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series rookie, will compete for Willie Kahne’s team, looking to improve on his 11th-place finish from last year and build on his third-place result from 2024. Josh Bilicki, another Xfinity Series regular, is confirmed for the 2026 lineup, ensuring there will be plenty of NASCAR representation on the dirt.
Jake Johnson, a recent winner on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, is making his own Chili Bowl debut, driving for car owner Corey Kruseman. This influx of drivers from multiple NASCAR ranks showcases the event’s reputation as a proving ground for elite talent willing to step outside their comfort zones.
Kyle Larson to Compete Internationally at Perth Motorplex
Fresh off his NASCAR Cup Series championship, Kyle Larson will also compete in the second installment of the Kubota High Limit Racing International at Perth Motorplex in Australia from December 28 to 30. Larson, who won last year’s inaugural event and claimed the biggest prize in Australian sprint car racing history, returns to chase a purse now set at $110,000 AUD.
He will be joined by a star-studded group of American sprint car drivers, including Buddy Kofoid, Brad Sweet, Carson Macedo, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, Cole Macedo, Brock Zearfoss, Justin Whittal, and Xavier Doney. Their participation highlights the growing global influence of American racers in international sprint car competitions.
What the NASCAR Crossover Means for the Chili Bowl
The continuous influx of NASCAR stars into the Chili Bowl Nationals has elevated the event’s profile, attracting heightened attention from both motorsports enthusiasts and mainstream fans. With names like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell leading a diverse roster of crossover drivers—including Ty Gibbs, Sheldon Creed, and Corey Day—the 2026 event is poised to set new standards for competitiveness and entertainment.
This trend is likely to bring even greater visibility to the Chili Bowl and to dirt racing as a whole, while also providing NASCAR drivers with an invaluable opportunity to grow their skill sets and broaden their fan bases. As more top drivers look to leave their mark in Tulsa and beyond, the allure of the Christopher Bell Chili Bowl Nationals and events like the High Limit Racing International will only continue to strengthen, setting the stage for dramatic battles and lasting legacies.
