Kyle Larson’s Chili Bowl 2026 journey ended abruptly at the SageNet Center in Oklahoma, as a dramatic flip dashed his hopes of defending his title on Saturday. The favorite to win, Larson was sidelined after a mid-race incident, stunning fans who anticipated another dominant week from the Cup Series champion.
A Promising Start Turns Unexpected
Arriving at the Chili Bowl Nationals after an intense offseason, Larson was in top form, having already won the qualifier, the A-Main, and the pole shuffle. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, he set up high expectations for a fourth win at the prestigious midget racing event, continuing a streak that included victories in 2020, 2021, and just last year.
In the main event, Larson executed a strong start, leading the pack for five laps before being overtaken by Emerson Axsom. As the race intensified, disaster struck around the 15th lap when Larson’s car flipped, immediately ruling him out of contention for the coveted Golden Driller trophy. His pit crew worked rapidly in hopes of salvaging the night, but ultimately, his car was too damaged to continue, resulting in a tow off the track.
Reaction to a Stunning Exit
The unexpected crash cut short what had looked to be another storybook run for Larson. Speaking to Matt Weaver after the race, Larson opened up about his experience on the challenging Oklahoma dirt.
“I mean, with where the track conditions were at that point, I felt really good. I am sure everybody didn’t feel very good there at the end as it got curbed up. So, I don’t know how I would have been,”
—Kyle Larson, defending Chili Bowl Champion
Despite the disappointment, Larson emphasized his desire to have fought for the win until the conclusion and acknowledged the unpredictability of racing at the SageNet Center. The role of track conditions and late-race circumstances set a dramatic context for his exit.
Youthful Talent Takes the Spotlight
With Larson out, attention turned to Emerson Axsom, who seized the opportunity and secured victory in the main event. Larson admitted he was not deeply familiar with Axsom, but recognized him as a talented contender who had consistently impressed at this venue. At just 21 years old, Axsom’s Chili Bowl triumph marks him as a driver poised for further achievements in midget racing and beyond.
Looking Ahead After a Tumultuous Start to 2026
The early mishap in Oklahoma marked a stark contrast for Larson, especially following a successful previous year in which he captured the Chili Bowl, the Cup Series championship, and a major win in the High Limit Racing Series. The setback at the SageNet Center introduces an element of uncertainty for the defending champion’s season, but fans anticipate he’ll shift focus and regroup in time for the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
As the 2026 racing calendar kicks off, the spotlight remains on Kyle Larson and the resilient field of drivers determined to make their mark at marquee events like the Chili Bowl. For Larson and his supporters, the dream of adding another title is deferred, but his passion and competitiveness continue to shape the midget racing landscape.
🤯 Defending Chili Bowl Champion @KyleLarsonRacin is upside down while running 2nd!#ChiliBowl | @NosEnergyDrink pic.twitter.com/hG7Xia6hJS
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 18, 2026
Kyle Larson on his flip and just being a fan at the end pic.twitter.com/bXjCs8J47z
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 18, 2026
