Imagine a world where NASCAR’s biggest stars trade their high-speed stock cars for the dirt-flying, adrenaline-pumping chaos of Midget racing. Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: these drivers aren’t just racing—they’re now calling the shots as car owners, and it’s shaking up the Chili Bowl Nationals in ways you’d never expect.
Every January, the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, transforms into the epicenter of Midget car racing, hosting the Chili Bowl Nationals—the largest event of its kind globally. Among the sea of competitors, a growing number of NASCAR stars are swapping their day jobs for a shot at the iconic Golden Driller trophy. This year, no fewer than eight drivers from NASCAR’s top three divisions are in the mix, including heavyweights like defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champ Jesse Love, and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell and Ty Gibbs. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about driving anymore—many are diving headfirst into car ownership, adding a whole new layer of competition and fulfillment to their racing careers.
Take Alex Bowman, for instance. For over a decade, he’s made the pilgrimage to Tulsa, first as a driver and now as a car owner and crew chief for his own team. Bowman, who’s fielding cars this week for drivers C.J. Leary and Briggs Danner, admits the transition wasn’t overnight. ‘This is my 11th year bringing a car to the Chili Bowl, but I’ve only driven five or six times,’ he shared. Despite never qualifying for the Saturday championship as a driver, Bowman’s competitive fire burns brighter than ever. ‘I want to win this event,’ he said, ‘and my best chance is probably with someone else in the seat.’
Here’s the kicker: Bowman’s stress isn’t from owning the cars—it’s from making the final setup decisions. ‘Trying to get those calls right is the most stressful part, but it’s a blast,’ he explained. So far, his calls have been spot-on. Danner locked into Saturday’s championship feature with a second-place finish behind Larson, while Leary races Thursday night. ‘Briggs could’ve, should’ve, would’ve won last year,’ Bowman said, hinting at the fine line between victory and strategy. ‘C.J.’s race is probably the more stressful one for me—Thursday night is always the toughest.’
Christopher Bell, a three-time Chili Bowl champion, is the latest to join the ownership ranks. After years racing for others, he decided to build his own team for the 2026 event. ‘Last year, I felt like that chapter was behind me,’ Bell said. ‘I wanted to try something else.’ His goal? To field two drivers he enjoys being around. When his first choice for the second car fell through, Bell stepped in himself. ‘I guess I’ll just drive it,’ he shrugged.
For Bell, the joy comes from the behind-the-scenes work. ‘I love the prep process, the shop work, even setting up the pit area,’ he said. His efforts paid off Monday when he won the O’Reilly Auto Parts Race of Champions for the fourth time—this time in his own equipment. ‘Winning with my crew, my father-in-law, my best friend—it meant more,’ he reflected. ‘If I could do it with another driver, that would be the cherry on top.’
But here’s the question that’ll spark debate: Is car ownership the future for NASCAR stars at the Chili Bowl, or just a passing trend? Bowman and Bell are proving it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a new way to chase glory. As the dirt flies and the engines roar, one thing’s clear: these drivers aren’t just racing for themselves anymore. They’re building legacies, one car at a time. What do you think? Is this the next big thing in racing, or just a detour for NASCAR’s elite? Let us know in the comments!
