Tony Stewart Chili Bowl fans will see a celebrated homecoming as Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, is set to lead Championship Saturday as Grand Marshal at the Tulsa Expo Center next week. The return of Stewart, a central figure in the event’s history, marks a significant moment for both the drivers and the passionate fans who consider the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals a cornerstone of dirt racing.
Welcoming a Racing Legend Back to Tulsa
Each January, the Tulsa Expo Center transforms into a vibrant epicenter for dirt racing aficionados, and Stewart’s return amplifies the spirit of the occasion. Known to many as “Smoke,” Stewart’s relationship with the Chili Bowl is deeply ingrained—he is far more than a former winner, having shaped the very identity of this event. His victories in 2002 and 2007 only begin to tell the story of the driver whose impact rose above statistics and wins. Emmett Hahn, a Chili Bowl co-founder, underscored the meaning of Stewart’s appointment, highlighting his role in bringing national attention to the event during the early 2000s. By attracting motorsports’ biggest names, Stewart bridged the once-wide gap between premier NASCAR competition and the gritty allure of grassroots midget car racing in Tulsa.
Stewart’s Influence Beyond the Driver’s Seat
The affection Tulsa’s racing community holds for Stewart isn’t limited to his achievements on the track. He is also celebrated for his hands-on contributions, working alongside the track preparation crew at the SageNet Center. Seasoned fans recall Stewart, brushing shoulders with figures like Brad Chandler and Steve Hahn, spending hours ensuring a top-notch racing surface—not from a VIP perch, but by pitching in with the physical work. Emmett Hahn’s admiration is palpable:
“He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone, he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore,”
Emmett Hahn, Chili Bowl co-founder.
Hahn also noted another milestone:
“We made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”
Emmett Hahn, Chili Bowl co-founder.
This work ethic—uncommon among high-profile motorsports stars—further cements Stewart as a fan favorite, embodying the blue-collar values that define the Chili Bowl’s spirit.
Impressive Chili Bowl Career Statistics
Stewart’s emotional homecoming coincides with substantial stats that make his legacy impossible to overlook. Over 14 starts at the Chili Bowl, he reached the main event 12 times—a remarkable feat in a competition renowned for its intense field, where notable names like Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson now compete. Stewart’s record includes:
- Two victories (2002, 2007)
- Three podium finishes
- Four finishes in the top five
- Seven finishes in the top ten
His last run occurred in 2013, but each year, when racers from diverse backgrounds try their hand at the Chili Bowl, they follow in Stewart’s pioneering footsteps. By bringing national-level drivers into the fold, Stewart opened the door that subsequent stars like Bell and Larson now march through.
Anticipation Builds for an Unforgettable Championship Night
Championship Saturday at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is famed for its electric atmosphere, as 15,000 devotees pack inside to witness intense action. Stewart’s return as Grand Marshal is poised to ignite even greater excitement, turning the spotlight from celebrity spectacle to heartfelt reunion. The tradition of respect for the track, machines, and racing heritage is woven deeply into the Chili Bowl, and honoring Stewart in this role signals appreciation for a driver who has shaped its journey.
For the drivers, whether seasoned veterans or up-and-coming stars, and for every fan who considers the Chili Bowl a highlight of the racing season, Stewart’s participation is a powerful acknowledgment of the event’s roots and enduring appeal. Tony Stewart Chili Bowl history will once again take center stage, celebrating the link between past, present, and the future of dirt track racing in Tulsa.
