The Chili Bowl Nationals unites the worlds of grassroots dirt racers and NASCAR drivers every year at Tulsa‘s SageNet Center, transforming the 1⁄5-mile dirt oval into a dramatic showcase of American motorsports. While many NASCAR drivers have tried their hand at this legendary event, a select few have returned year after year, earning a reputation for their repeated NASCAR drivers Chili Bowl appearances.
NASCAR Legends Making Their Mark at the Chili Bowl
Every January, Tulsa, Oklahoma becomes a magnet for racing superstars and rising dirt drivers as the Chili Bowl Nationals takes over the Expo Square. This event, dubbed the “Super Bowl of Midget Racing,” sees a unique blend of participants from mainstream racing circuits, including some of NASCAR’s biggest names. With the Golden Driller trophy on the line, only a handful of NASCAR veterans have made the Chili Bowl a regular feature in their busy calendars.
Top Five NASCAR Drivers With the Most Starts at the Chili Bowl
While the Chili Bowl Nationals has hosted numerous NASCAR stars over the years, these are the five drivers who stand out for the most appearances at this storied event:
5. Tony Stewart – 14 Appearances
NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart has made 14 appearances at the Chili Bowl Nationals, claiming the Golden Driller trophy twice, in 2002 and 2007. Stewart’s involvement brought significant attention from NASCAR fans and the wider motorsports community to the Tulsa dirt oval during his competitive years. His repeated entries emphasized his genuine passion for dirt track racing and kept him closely tied to grassroots competition even after mainstream success.
4. Kasey Kahne – 17 Appearances
Kasey Kahne, well known for his prowess in both stock cars and dirt, ranks fourth with 17 Chili Bowl starts. Often returning to the event after stepping away from full-time NASCAR competition, Kahne’s repeated presence underlines his continued enthusiasm for racing on dirt. His last appearance came in 2018, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the annual Tulsa showdown.
3. Kyle Larson – 18 Appearances (Including 2026)
Kyle Larson, celebrated as one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR, is set to make his 18th Chili Bowl Nationals appearance in 2026. His record is marked by 12 championship feature berths and three victories, having taken home the Golden Driller trophy in 2020, 2021, and 2025. Larson’s success at the Chili Bowl demonstrates his adaptability and mastery over a range of racing disciplines, from the bright lights of NASCAR Cup Series circuits to the unpredictable challenges of a dirt oval.
2. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 18 Appearances
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., the 2023 Daytona 500 champion and well-known NASCAR Cup Series driver, has participated in the Chili Bowl Nationals 18 times, making him one of the event’s most loyal NASCAR entrants. Stenhouse’s best finish was a seventh place in the 2021 championship feature. Despite his evident dedication to his dirt roots, Stenhouse will not be racing in the coming year, pausing his streak of annual appearances but leaving a lasting legacy in Tulsa’s dirt racing community.
1. JJ Yeley – 29 Appearances
Sitting atop the list is JJ Yeley, whose name is synonymous with persistent presence in open-wheel and grassroots dirt racing. With an extraordinary 29 Chili Bowl Nationals starts, Yeley outpaces every other NASCAR driver in event history. His career highlights include USAC Triple Crown and Silver Crown Series championships, further validating his credentials in midget and sprint racing. Yeley’s peak Chili Bowl performance was a runner-up finish in 2007, but his decades-long commitment has cemented his status as a fan favorite. He will not compete in the 2026 edition.
Other NASCAR Names Joining the Ranks
Looking ahead, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell is set to tie Tony Stewart for fifth-most Chili Bowl appearances next month. Bell, already a three-time Golden Driller winner, will mark his 14th entry into the event on January 12, further expanding the list of NASCAR stars who have made significant contributions to the Chili Bowl’s storied legacy.
What Sustains NASCAR Drivers’ Attachment to the Chili Bowl?
The Chili Bowl Nationals represents more than just another race for these NASCAR drivers—it is a return to their roots and a celebration of dirt racing heritage. Each year, the event’s electric atmosphere and the challenge of the dirt track attract some of racing’s biggest names, offering them an opportunity to reconnect with grassroots fans and test their skills outside the asphalt circuits of NASCAR. Their continued participation keeps the cross-pollination between major motorsports and grassroots events alive, captivating new generations of racing enthusiasts and reinforcing the enduring ties between NASCAR superstars and the world of dirt racing.
