Action-Packed 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals

The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals has already proven to be one of the most exciting events in recent memory. Starting on January 11 and running through January 17, the competition has delivered high-speed action and incredible performances from some of the top drivers in the sport.

This year’s event promises to be a highlight for fans, with the main event drawing attention from all corners of the racing world. The A-Main lineup features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

Key Drivers to Watch

One of the most intriguing stories of this year’s event is the presence of 14-year-old Jett Barnes. After an impressive performance in the B Feature 2, Barnes secured a spot in the A-Main, making him one of the youngest drivers ever to compete in the prestigious event. Barnes, who has been part of the Swindell SpeedLab team since he was eight years old, is now poised to make a name for himself on the national stage.

Barnes’ journey to the A-Main highlights the growing talent in the sport and the potential for young drivers to make an impact. His performance could even put him in the running for the coveted Golden Driller, a prize that has become a symbol of excellence in midget racing.

A-Main Lineup for 2026

Here is the full list of drivers competing in the A-Main:

• 1K – Kyle Larson
• 39A – Emerson Axsom
• 52 – Blake Hahn
• 39 – Logan Seavey
• 21CB – Christopher Bell
• 86 – Daison Pursley
• 55I – Briggs Danner
• 29S – Hank Davis
• 87 – Justin Grant
• 55X – C.J. Leary
• 71K – Cannon McIntosh
• 1A – Jett Barnes
• 87W – Ryan Bernal
• 27W – Colby Copeland
• 26 – Corbin Rueschenberg
• 17W – Shane Golobic
• 29 – Tim Buckwalter
• 14K – Kevin Thomas Jr.
• 21 – Daryn Pittman
• 1S – Spencer Bayston
• 39G – Kyle Cummins
• 88 – Tanner Thorson
• 51 – Gavan Boschele
• 14J – Wout Hoffmans

Pole Shuffle Results

The pole shuffle results for the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals are as follows:

• 1K – Kyle Larson
• 39A – Emerson Axsom
• 52 – Blake Hahn
• 39 – Logan Seavey
• 21CB – Christopher Bell
• 86 – Daison Pursley
• 55I – Briggs Danner
• 29S – Hank Davis
• 87 – Justin Grant
• 55X – C.J. Leary

How to Watch the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals

Fans across the United States can tune in to watch the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals via sportify and the FloSports App. These platforms offer live coverage of all the action, ensuring that fans don’t miss a single moment of the competition.

Schedule of Events

The 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals will feature multiple days of qualifying and racing leading up to the main event on Saturday, January 17. Here is a breakdown of the schedule:

Monday, January 12 – 2nd Opinion Auto Center Qualifying Night + O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions

• Building Opens: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Pit Pass Booth Opens: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Racing: 6:00 p.m. ET

Tuesday, January 13 – Warren CAT Qualifying Night

• Building Opens: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Pit Pass Booth Opens: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Racing: 6:00 p.m. ET

Wednesday, January 14 – York Plumbing Qualifying Night

• Building Opens: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Pit Pass Booth Opens: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Racing: 6:00 p.m. ET

Thursday, January 15 – Hasty Bake Qualifying Night

• Building Opens: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Pit Pass Booth Opens: 12:00 p.m. ET
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Racing: 6:00 p.m. ET

Friday, January 16 – Hard Rock Casino Qualifying Night

• Pit Pass Booth Opens: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Hot Laps: 5:00 p.m. ET
• Racing: 6:00 p.m. ET

Saturday, January 17 – QuikTrip Championship Saturday

• Pit Pass Booth & Pit Gate Open: 9:00 a.m. ET
• Feature Hot Laps: 10:00 a.m. ET
• Opening Ceremonies: 7:30 p.m. ET

Past Winners of the Chili Bowl Nationals

The Chili Bowl Nationals have seen many legendary drivers take home the Golden Driller. Some of the most notable winners include:

• 2025: Kyle Larson
• 2024: Logan Seavey
• 2023: Logan Seavey
• 2022: Tanner Thorson
• 2021: Kyle Larson
• 2020: Kyle Larson
• 2019: Christopher Bell
• 2018: Christopher Bell
• 2017: Christopher Bell
• 2016: Rico Abreu
• 2015: Rico Abreu
• 2014: Bryan Clauson
• 2013: Kevin Swindell
• 2012: Kevin Swindell
• 2011: Kevin Swindell
• 2010: Kevin Swindell

Watch Every Chili Bowl Since 1987

For fans interested in reliving the history of the Chili Bowl Nationals, sportify has compiled every championship feature event replay since the event began in 1987. This collection includes 38 main events, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of the sport.

Archived Footage and Social Media

All event footage will be archived and stored in a video library for sportify subscribers to access throughout their subscription period. Fans can also join the conversation on social media by following sportify on Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.