NASCAR driver Chili Bowl results from the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals show how Ty Gibbs, JJ Yeley, and Sheldon Creed performed during the second night of preliminary racing on December 13 at the Tulsa Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. With over 80 drivers entered, these NASCAR regulars faced stiff competition on the dirt track as they aimed to progress through the challenging rounds.
NASCAR Competitors Battle in Tuesday’s Preliminaries
The field included prominent NASCAR names such as Ty Gibbs, a regular in the NASCAR Cup Series and Joe Gibbs’ grandson, veteran JJ Yeley, and rising NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series talent Sheldon Creed. Each driver experienced unique challenges throughout the night.
JJ Yeley, a seasoned driver, started the A-Main feature race from the front row but ultimately crossed the finish line in 10th place. Ty Gibbs fought hard during the event and scored a 14th-place finish in the same race. Sheldon Creed, taking part in his first-ever Chili Bowl Nationals, won B-Main #2, earning a coveted transfer into the Prelim A-Main. Creed finished 24th in the A-Main, a respectable effort in a debut appearance against a competitive field.
Blake Hahn Secures Prelim Victory and Saturday Start
Beyond the NASCAR drivers, Blake Hahn captured the spotlight by claiming the win in Tuesday’s preliminary feature. Piloting the #52 car, the Oklahoma native secured his place in Saturday’s prestigious main event. He made a decisive move, overtaking Hank Davis with just five laps remaining, and managed to hold off all challengers to claim what is being called the most significant victory of his racing career. Hahn’s family ties to the event run deep, as he is the grandson of co-founder Emmett Hahn, adding a personal triumph to his achievement.
Race Standouts and Key Finishes from Tuesday Night
As the race unfolded, Hank Davis, who had surged into the lead after passing polesitter Zach Daum with 10 laps to go, finished second, also earning a coveted position in Saturday’s A-Main. Jett Barnes drove consistently to claim third place. Rounding out the top finishers, Zach Daum and Landon Brooks secured fourth and fifth places. The top ten included Corbin Rueschenberg in sixth, followed by Kaidon Brown, Gavan Boschele, Kyle Jones, and JJ Yeley rounding out the group.
Looking Ahead to the Next Round of the Chili Bowl
The Warren CAT Qualifying Night results reflect the competitive spirit of the Chili Bowl Nationals, showcasing both veteran expertise and emerging talent. Next, the event continues with the York Plumbing Qualifying Night, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at 5 pm ET, where drivers like Ty Gibbs, JJ Yeley, and Sheldon Creed may get another opportunity to advance their standings. With the main event approaching, anticipation is building to see which racers will emerge as finalists in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Great finish in the Tuesday prelim night at the Chili Bowl. Yeley finished 10th in the A-Main, Gibbs 14th and Creed 24th. https://t.co/Pjn3QKHISz
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 14, 2026
