2024 Chili Bowl Nationals Results: Bell Wins Fifth Title

The 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals concluded on January 20th at Tulsa Expo Raceway with Christopher Bell claiming victory for the fifth time in his career. The Oklahoma native dominated the 55-lap A-Main feature, leading 47 laps to secure his record-tying fifth Chili Bowl title. Tyler Thomas finished second, followed by Logan Seavey in third place. This year's event featured over 370 entries competing across multiple nights of preliminary racing before the championship A-Main.

For motorsport enthusiasts tracking Chili Bowl Nationals results 2024, the championship race delivered both historical significance and thrilling competition. Christopher Bell's victory tied him with Danny Lasoski for the most Chili Bowl wins in the event's 38-year history. The race saw 12 lead changes among five different drivers, highlighting the intense competition that defines this premier midget car racing event.

Understanding the Chili Bowl Nationals

Held annually during the third week of January at Tulsa's Riverside International Speedway (commonly called Tulsa Expo Raceway), the Chili Bowl Nationals represents the pinnacle of midget car racing. Since its inception in 1987, this event has grown from a regional competition to the most prestigious midget race in the world, attracting top drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and sprint car circuits.

The unique format features multiple nights of qualifying races, with drivers earning points based on their performance in heat races, B-Mains, and consolation events. These points determine starting positions for the championship A-Main feature. This structure creates dramatic storylines throughout the week as drivers fight for every position that affects their final starting spot.

Detailed 2024 Championship Results

The 58th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals delivered record-breaking participation with 378 entries, surpassing the previous record of 360 set in 2023. After five nights of preliminary competition, the top 24 drivers advanced to the A-Main feature on Saturday night.

Position Driver Hometown Laps Led Starting Position
1 Christopher Bell Norman, OK 47 3
2 Tyler Thomas Collinsville, OK 4 2
3 Logan Seavey Sutter, CA 2 5
4 Blake Hahn Broken Arrow, OK 0 7
5 Brady Bacon Broken Arrow, OK 2 4

The race featured multiple lead changes in the final 20 laps, with Bell reclaiming the top spot for good with seven laps remaining. This victory marks Bell's first Chili Bowl win since 2020 and solidifies his status as one of the event's most successful competitors.

Historical Context and Records

When researching Chili Bowl Nationals winner history, several patterns emerge that interest racing statisticians. Christopher Bell's fifth victory ties him with Danny Lasoski (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007) for the most wins. Only three drivers have won the event multiple times in consecutive years.

The event has seen significant evolution since its early days. In 1987, the inaugural race featured just 62 entries with Sammy Swindell taking the checkered flag. By 2000, entries had grown to over 150, and today's event regularly exceeds 350 competitors, making it the largest indoor midget race in the world.

Driver Total Wins Years Won Recent Win
Christopher Bell 5 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024 2024
Danny Lasoski 5 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007 2007
Sammy Swindell 4 1987, 1988, 1990, 1997 1997
Kevin Swindell 3 2008, 2010, 2011 2011

How the Chili Bowl Results Are Determined

Understanding how to find Chili Bowl race results requires knowledge of the event's unique structure. The competition spans five preliminary nights (Tuesday-Saturday), with each night featuring:

  • Multiple heat races (20 laps each)
  • Consolation races (B-Mains, C-Mains, etc.)
  • Qualifying sessions
  • Single-car time trials

Drivers earn points based on their finishing positions in these preliminary events. The top point-earners advance to Saturday's A-Main feature, with the highest scorers earning the most favorable starting positions. This points system creates dramatic storylines throughout the week as drivers fight for every position that affects their final starting spot.

For fans tracking Chili Bowl qualifying results, the single-car time trials establish the initial starting order for heat races. Each driver gets one lap to set their time, with faster qualifiers earning better starting positions in their respective heat races.

Where to Find Official Results

For the most accurate and timely Chili Bowl race standings, fans should consult these official sources:

  • Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals official website (updated after each session)
  • Race Control Live timing and scoring (available during the event)
  • Official Chili Bowl social media channels (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram)
  • Racing news outlets like Speedway Illustrated and FloRacing

Many fans also follow live timing through the MyLaps system, which provides real-time position updates, lap times, and sector information during all racing sessions. This technology has transformed how fans experience the event, allowing them to track their favorite drivers throughout the week-long competition.

Looking Ahead to 2025

With the 2024 event complete, attention turns to next year's competition. The 59th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals is scheduled for January 13-18, 2025, at Tulsa Expo Raceway. Early indications suggest another record-breaking field, with drivers already preparing their midget cars for the demanding quarter-mile clay oval.

For those interested in how to find future Chili Bowl results, the pattern remains consistent: preliminary nights determine Saturday's starting lineup, with the A-Main feature deciding the champion. As the event continues to grow in popularity, the competition for the coveted Golden Driller trophy becomes increasingly intense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the most recent Chili Bowl Nationals?

Christopher Bell won the 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals, securing his fifth victory in the event's history. The Norman, Oklahoma native dominated the 55-lap A-Main feature, leading 47 laps to claim the Golden Driller trophy on January 20, 2024.

How many drivers typically compete in the Chili Bowl Nationals?

The 2024 event set a new record with 378 entries, surpassing the previous record of 360 set in 2023. In recent years, the field has consistently exceeded 350 drivers, making it the largest indoor midget race in the world. The event has grown significantly from its inaugural race in 1987, which featured just 62 entries.

Where can I find official Chili Bowl results?

Official Chili Bowl results are available through multiple channels: the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals website, Race Control Live timing and scoring during the event, official Chili Bowl social media accounts, and motorsport news outlets like Speedway Illustrated and FloRacing. Real-time timing is also available through the MyLaps system during racing sessions.

How is the Chili Bowl champion determined?

The Chili Bowl champion is determined through a week-long competition culminating in the Saturday night A-Main feature. Drivers earn points through preliminary nights (Tuesday-Friday), with the top point-earners advancing to the championship race. The winner of the 55-lap A-Main feature on Saturday night claims the Golden Driller trophy as the Chili Bowl champion.

Who has won the most Chili Bowl Nationals titles?

Christopher Bell and Danny Lasoski are tied for the most Chili Bowl Nationals victories with five wins each. Bell won in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024, while Lasoski claimed victories in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007. Sammy Swindell follows with four wins (1987, 1988, 1990, 1997).

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