Tony Stewart, the veteran NASCAR Cup Series champion, revealed that winning the Chili Bowl Nationals holds greater value to him than a potential Daytona 500 victory. As the much-anticipated Chili Bowl approaches in Tulsa, Stewart returns to the event, not as a competitor but as a passionate fan and this year’s Grand Marshall, reflecting on the race’s special significance within the motorsports world.
Chili Bowl Nationals: A Unique Challenge in Dirt Racing
This week marks the Chili Bowl Nationals, one of the most celebrated indoor midget racing events in the country. The competition transforms a 1/5-mile bullring dirt track inside the Tulsa Expo Square, where 700 loads of dirt create a distinctive course. Over 400 racers enter, each battling through five nights of preliminary heats for a coveted spot in Saturday’s final race. The intensity of the field and the rarity of the trophy, the “Golden Driller,” set the Chili Bowl apart from other events, including the famed Daytona 500.
Tony Stewart, known for his 18-year tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series, never captured a Daytona 500 win, but he cherishes his two Golden Driller trophies from 2002 and 2007. This week, Stewart embraces a different perspective, swapping his driving suit for the title of Grand Marshall, underscoring the honor and nostalgia tied to the Chili Bowl’s legacy.
Stewart Shares His Passion for the Chili Bowl Experience
During a press conference at the event, Stewart expressed just how much his Chili Bowl wins mean to him.
“To have a couple of Golden Drillers of my own is something that really means the world to me,”
Tony Stewart stated during the Chili Bowl press conference.
He explained how his view of the event has evolved over time.
“Back in the day, I was scared to say this was bigger than Daytona. But, it is! It’s truly is.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
Stewart emphasized how, among dedicated racing fans, the Chili Bowl holds a unique and greater significance.
“It’s not in the world’s eyes. But, in true motorsports fans eyes, they know this is bigger. You got 400 guys you gotta beat to win this race.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
He highlighted the grueling nature of the race, contrasting it with NASCAR’s more familiar contests.
“Not the same 40 guys that you see every week at a NASCAR track. This is probably one of the hardest events to win. Every time these guys go on the race track in competition, it matters. They get points, it’s all a part of getting themselves seeded for Saturday night. You can’t have a mistake.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
Stewart contrasted the level of precision required at the Chili Bowl with the margin for error that exists at Daytona.
“Daytona 500, you can make mistakes for the first 400 miles and still go out and win the race. You can’t do that here.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
For Stewart, the pride in winning the Chili Bowl stands above the career-defining moments of American stock car racing.
“I never won the Daytona 500. But, winning the Chili Bowl meant more to me than if I would’ve won the Daytona 500.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
The Chili Bowl’s Signature Venue and Its Lasting Legacy
Beyond the competitive challenge, Stewart attributes much of the Chili Bowl’s allure to its venue and the atmosphere surrounding the Tulsa Expo Square.
“I think this is one of these events, mainly because of the venue, I honestly think it would be very hard to duplicate this anywhere else. You could try to take this anywhere else in the country, but I don’t think you could make this.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
He also pointed to the event’s unique physical proximity, where fans, drivers, and teams mingle in a way that is rarely possible at other motorsports gatherings.
“It’s so unique to have the race track, the bleachers, the entire pit area. It’s a very short walking distance to see all of it.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
Stewart concluded his remarks by honoring the contributions of longtime event leader Emmett Hahn.
“It would be foolish to try and emulate what Emmett has done here over the last 40 years.”
– Tony Stewart, NASCAR Cup Series champion
Looking Ahead as Stewart Returns to NASCAR
The 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals will reach its conclusion on January 17 at Tulsa Expo Square, capturing the attention of motorsports fans and competitors alike. As Tony Stewart returns to the NASCAR spotlight and takes on his Grand Marshall duties, his perspective reinforces the importance of unique racing traditions like the Chili Bowl, which continue to inspire and challenge generations of drivers.
