Chase Briscoe recently extended an invitation to Tony Stewart to participate in the upcoming Chili Bowl Nationals, spotlighting renewed interest in Stewart’s presence at the annual event. This Chase Briscoe Chili Bowl offer comes as Stewart served as Grand Marshal for the 40th edition, making fans and racing insiders wonder if the legendary driver would return to compete.
Stewart Declines to Compete Despite Multiple Offers
Appearing in a FloRacing interview before the main event, Tony Stewart revealed he had received numerous invitations from various teams and drivers to join the line-up for the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals. The former NASCAR Cup Series champion, who previously clinched titles in 2002 and 2007 at the Chili Bowl, was honored as Grand Marshal this year—a return that fueled speculation about a potential comeback on the track.
Chase Briscoe, who once raced with Stewart-Haas Racing under Stewart’s leadership, publicly highlighted his ongoing attempts to get Stewart into a seat. In a light-hearted exchange, Briscoe remarked,
“This guy is the one who offered the midget ride, I think I’ve asked him 3 years in a row now.”
—Chase Briscoe, Driver
Despite repeated asks, Stewart was clear about his intentions. He commented about the active interest from all sides, stating,
“I am not normally a very good spectator, but the offers are coming from all sides. So “it’s gonna be nice to not do something. Somebody said, ‘What are your plans for next week?’ The plan is there really isn’t a plan. We don’t get an opportunity to do that, so I think we’re gonna enjoy this part of it this week.”
—Tony Stewart, Former NASCAR Champion & Grand Marshal
Stewart’s absence on the entry list means the spotlight remains on other contenders, such as Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson and three-time Chili Bowl winner Christopher Bell, both of whom will compete at SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Comparing the Chili Bowl Nationals and the Daytona 500
In a separate conversation with FloRacing, Tony Stewart drew parallels between midget racing’s Chili Bowl Nationals and the Daytona 500, each event sitting high on the list of career highlights for elite drivers. Stewart, with experience in both, pointed out the differences between the two iconic races, focusing on entry numbers and race structure.
The Chili Bowl attracts hundreds of drivers competing for a spot in the main event through preliminary heats. Conversely, the Daytona 500 hosts over 40 cars in a longer, single-race format that serves as NASCAR’s season kickoff. Race length and recovery from mistakes also set the events apart: the Great American Race allows drivers 200 laps over 500 miles, offering multiple opportunities for drivers to overcome early setbacks, while the Chili Bowl features fewer laps and heightened consequences for poor starts in the heat races.
Stewart emphasized the intensity of both races, explaining,
“There’s so many good drivers and teams out there that you really can’t afford to make a mistake in the Daytona 500; you can have a bad pit stop. You can get a pit road speeding penalty, and you can recover from it. It is very hard to recover from when the state gets chilly. It is a 380-person bar room brawl, and at the end of it, somebody is going to take home a golden driller.”
—Tony Stewart, Former Cup Series Driver
What Lies Ahead for the Chili Bowl and Its Stars
The 40th Chili Bowl Nationals, scheduled for January 17, 2026, at SageNet Center in Tulsa, will once again draw eyes across the racing world. Pit gates are set to open at 9 a.m. Eastern, with competitors hitting the hot laps field shortly after. With big names like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell set to face off, anticipation runs high even as Tony Stewart enjoys his well-deserved break from driving duties.
Stewart’s decision not to race highlights a turning point for veteran drivers contemplating the balance between competitive desire and personal time. Briscoe’s playful persistence and Stewart’s measured response illustrate the camaraderie and respect among NASCAR’s top competitors. As preparations continue, the focus shifts to emerging talent and ongoing rivalries, promising another thrilling chapter in the illustrious history of the Chili Bowl Nationals.
🙋🏻♂️ This guy is the one who offered the midget ride, I think I’ve asked him 3 years in a row now 😂 https://t.co/bA7m5AMCWW
— Chase Briscoe (@chasebriscoe) January 13, 2026
