Brent Crews’ busy 2025 schedule begins with the Chili Bowl and momentum on his side

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Brandon White

A busy 2025 for Brent Crews could not have started on a more perfect note.

Facing a challenging field in the Stock Non-Wing Division of the Tulsa Shootout that featured Kyle Larson in the A-Main, Crews was tasked with maintaining a front-row starting position for 30 laps. A spirited battle for the lead with polesitter Cannon McIntosh ended with Crews taking home the event’s Golden Driller trophy for the first time.

One week later, Crews finds himself back at the Tulsa Expo Center, this time in preparation for the prestigious Chili Bowl. The strenuous week will see Crews face many of the same standout competitors from the Tulsa Shootout, yet the young prospect has never felt more optimistic in his ability to excel on one of dirt racing’s premier stages.

“I’ve had a great week at the Tulsa Expo Center already,” Crews said. “Being able to pick up a [Golden] Driller was a dream come true of mine. Doing it with a great group made it even more special. I definitely feel more confident in being able [to race] with Christopher Bell, who is really good in that building.

“Heading into my fourth year, this is probably the most excited I’ve ever been.”

WATCH: 2025 Chili Bowl live on FloRacing

Brent Crews (Photo: Bryan Bennett/ARCA Racing)

The past couple years have seen Crews develop a reputation as an efficient dirt competitor, but doing so required patience and a copious amount of track time.

Asphalt tracks are where Crews perfected his craft behind the wheel. Several championships in go-karts during his formative years helped instill crucial fundamentals into Crews that have followed him as he has branched out into short-track and road-course competition.

While Crews was busy thriving in go-karts, he was also beginning to make his first appearances at dirt tracks. Competing at North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway regularly helped Crews quickly find his rhythm in the discipline, as he became the youngest winner POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series winner at just 13.

Obtaining so much experience at dirt tracks is something Crews believes has made him more refined and composed on pavement. With versatility becoming a more important quality amongst the current generation of drivers, Crews wants to balance out his growing pavement obligations with a healthy amount of dirt events.

“Anytime I get into a dirt car, I want to be competitive” Crews said. “If I’m not going to be competitive, then I want to find a way to be. You see guys like Kyle Larson, Kyle Busch and Christopher Bell that are running anything they set foot in, and that’s what separates the best from good.

“I’m trying to run as many races as possible, but thankfully dirt racing is something I love, so it’s a bonus.”

Brent Crews’ dirt experience has carried over into stock cars, with both of his ARCA Menards Series victories coming in dominant fashion. (Photo: Dilip Vishwanat/ARCA Racing)

Committing himself to a relentless racing schedule has resulted in Crews earning several accolades on pavement such as titles in the World Series of Asphalt and the Trans Am TA2 Championship. It was only a matter of time before Crews’ natural talent translated into a marquee accomplishment on dirt.

That opportunity materialized with Crews prevailing in the Tulsa Shootout’s Stock Non-Wing Division. Perfection was essential for Crews and his team Paul May Motorsports throughout the week, as one small mistake could have placed him in the large crowd of drivers that did not qualify for the A-Main such as Bell and Busch.

The near-flawless performance in the Stock Non-Wing Division was rewarding for Crews in numerous aspects. He crossed off a bucket list item of adding a Golden Driller to his growing trophy case and found extra motivation towards replicating that showing in the Chili Bowl this week.

Approaching the Chili Bowl A-Main is similar, but different compared to Crews’ journey in the Stock Non-Wing class during the Tulsa Shootout. The midgets used in the Chili Bowl are much heavier and possess more horsepower, preventing Crews from holding his car wide open around the Tulsa Expo Center.

Despite the differences, Crews said many of the core fundamentals that apply to success in the Tulsa Shootout carry over to the Chili Bowl. That knowledge, combined with the previous experience of several long weeks in Tulsa, have made each subsequent Chili Bowl appearance for Crews far less stressful.

“There hasn’t been much [pressure], especially during these past few years,” Crews said. “My first year in full-time midget racing, it was a lot higher. Knowing I have a great team that I’ve already made the Chili Bowl with takes some of the pressure off your back. Winning a [Golden] Driller in that building helped with the confidence, too.”

When Crews made the Chili Bowl with May’s operation in 2023, he set a record as the youngest driver to qualify for the prestigious event at just 14. He took the green flag from 15^th in the A-Main, but his night concluded after 33 laps due to an on-track accident, relegating him to 24^th out of 24 cars.

Crews still bested many of the top dirt track racing names that evening in what was then his second Chili Bowl attempt, but two drivers he did not get to race against were Larson and Bell.

Both are entered in this year’s Chili Bowl, with Larson and Crews sharing a preliminary night Monday.

The presence of Larson and Bell alongside the usual contingent of Chili Bowl mainstays is not intimidating to Crews. He welcomes the challenge of having to prove himself against the elites, adding the most effective way to do so starts with a stellar performance in the preliminaries.

“Knowing you’re racing against two of the best in everything they do just makes you want to beat them more,” Crews said. “Racing around them helps develop your skill and your craft. You’re mainly focused on you’re prelim night [in the Chili Bowl], so if you can run well there, you can set your eyes on the final day.”

With a busy season of pavement racing ahead, Brent Crews looks to build momentum with a strong week at the Chili Bowl. (Photo: Jeff Le/ARCA Racing)

Crews is hoping for another Chili Bowl week like his 2023 run before turning his attention toward a hectic slate of pavement events.

The upcoming season for Crews will see him split the No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing in the ARCA Menards Series alongside William Sawalich, Gio Ruggiero and Max Reaves. Crews also will make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut later in the year, as he will pilot the No. 1 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage in select events.

Crews knows dirt racing prepared him for each step on the NASCAR ladder. He looks forward to seeing what he can accomplish with both Gibbs and Tricon in 2025, but he wants to notch a Chili Bowl victory beforehand.

Earning victories in each of the Tulsa Expo Center’s crown jewel events would carry more than just prestige for Crews. It would further justify the countless hours exerted toward proving he can thrive in any type of motorsports environment.

“Anything you can go win in boosts your confidence,” Crews said. “Whether it’s racing a shopping cart around Wal-Mart or being able to go win a Golden Driller, winning in any discipline is good for that.

“I don’t know if anybody has ever won the Chili Bowl or a Golden Driller in the same year from the Shootout, but if so, I’d be one of the youngest, so that would be a cool accomplishment to have.”

Nothing will come easy for Crews in Tulsa this week against a field consisting of Larson, Bell, defending Chili Bowl winner Logan Seavey and others, yet he is eager to showcase his talent again and continue what has been a strong start to his 2025 campaign.

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Track Release

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2025) — Daytona International Speedway announced today that the 67th running of the Daytona 500 is officially sold out, with fans expected to pack the historic racing venue once again for NASCAR’s 2025 season opener.

Along with the sellout announcement, the World Center of Racing has also released the date for next year’s Daytona 500, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

Year after year, the “Great American Race” reigns as one of the most anticipated events in the motorsport world, and starting today, fans can sign up for exclusive pre-sale access for infield camping and tickets to next year’s event to ensure they secure their seats in advance.

“The Daytona 500 continues to be a spectacle of elite racing and entertainment, and the consecutive sellouts just prove this event is one of a kind,” said Frank Kelleher, president of Daytona International Speedway. “You can quite literally feel the atmosphere from the moment Speedweeks begins. The crowd is buzzing with excitement and every team, from the driver to the crew chief, is eager to get their season started. It all comes to a head when that green flag drops on Sunday, Feb. 16, and I can’t wait to see what this year’s Daytona 500 has in store for us.”

After a wildly competitive 2024 season that saw 18 different race winners, three of the closest finishes in NASCAR history and crowned Joey Logano as a three-time champion, the season-opening Daytona 500 is sure to be a thriller.

RELATED: 2025 Cup Series schedule

Last year, William Byron came out on top after a hectic last few laps, earning his first Daytona 500 win and securing the victory for Hendrick Motorsports in their 40th anniversary year. He’ll become the latest driver to attempt back-to-back victories of the Great American Race. The last driver to win consecutive Daytona 500s was Denny Hamlin, who earned the title in 2019 and 2020.

Though grandstand tickets and camping are sold out for Sunday’s marquee event, limited upgrades and premium packages are still available. Fans can also catch plenty of the action during the multi-day racing and entertainment extravaganza that is Speedweeks presented by AdventHealth.

The competition begins on Wednesday, Feb. 12 with Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Busch Light, setting the front row for the Great American Race. Qualifying also sets the field for a pair of head-to-head battles in the Duel At Daytona on Thursday, Feb. 13, where drivers fight for their starting position in the 67th running of the Daytona 500.

The intensity increases on Friday, Feb. 14 as the Craftsman Truck Series season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 takes the green flag under the lights of the famed track. Then on Saturday, Feb. 15, fans can enjoy a jam-packed day of on-track action with the kickoff to the ARCA Menards Series season followed by the United Rentals 300 Xfinity Series race.

Then on Sunday, after a performance filled with international chart-toppers from Mr. Worldwide himself, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will fire up their engines and get the 2025 season underway in this year’s Daytona 500.

With all four series kicking off their season at Daytona, each driver will be fighting to start their year with a win, putting everything on the line at one of the biggest races on the schedules. Fans can enjoy the fierce competition all week long, as well as multiple different entertainment performances, fan activations and race day festivities.

For more information on Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth or for further details on the 2026 Daytona 500, please visit www.DAYTONA500.com.

Posted on January 13, 2025January 21, 2025 by Alex Cadavid

Editor’s Note: Today’s Wood Brothers Racing preview continues NASCAR.com’s countdown of team previews for the 2025 Cup Series season.

Wood Brothers Racing

Manufacturer: Ford
Engine: Roush Yates Engines
Driver-crew chief pairings: Josh Berry-Miles Stanley

Team outlook: For being one of NASCAR’s oldest teams, there is an abundance of change surrounding the famed organization. Last season, the torch was passed to the third generation of co-owners, who aim to keep pillars of family and racing as the team’s backbone going into its 75th anniversary season while building off its playoff run in 2024. That change starts with optimism in new driver Josh Berry and first-time crew chief Miles Stanley, who transitions over from Team Penske.

Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford
Experience: One full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series
2024 stats: 27th in final Cup Series standings; 2 top fives, 4 top 10s
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 170-1

Outlook: Berry has a plethora of racing experience from late models to the Xfinity Series, which he’s no doubt relied on to crack seven top 10s in his 48 Cup starts. When it comes to flat short tracks, Berry has excelled with five of his career top 10s coming at tracks one mile or shorter. He is steadily improving at bigger tracks, but the key for him next year is to turn in more top-20 finishes consistently. Berry had a five-race stretch from the Talladega spring race to the Coca-Cola 600, where he finished 16th or better and sat 19th in points after the crown-jewel race, proving he can be a reliable hand behind the wheel at the Cup level. But his 16 finishes of 21st or worst from Gateway to Phoenix in the final 22 races also showed there’s still a lot he has to learn.

With one full season under his belt, there’s plenty of room for Berry to grow, especially at Wood Brothers. At age 35, his learning curve is arguably sharper than a prototypical sophomore-year driver, plus he comes to the No. 21 team as a driver with a solid foundation to build around for a single-charter organization.

BOLD PREDICTION: Wood Brothers will earn its 101st win this season. After waiting seven years to get win No. 100, it may not be long until the No. 21 Ford is back in Victory Lane. Given all the changes from top to bottom, there may be growing pains throughout the year. But Berry is a well known short-track ace, especially at tracks like Iowa, Richmond and New Hampshire where he’s a top-five threat. While Stanley is a rookie shot-caller atop the pit box, his experience of 11 years at Team Penske will come in handy if the perfect storm ever presents itself to steal a win.

Posted on January 10, 2025February 11, 2025 by Staff Report

Hélio Castroneves and Trackhouse Racing intend to utilize NASCAR’s new Open Exemption Provisional to secure a starting spot in the 2025 Daytona 500, NASCAR confirmed Friday.

Announced Friday among numerous competition updates ahead of the 2025 season, the Open Exemption Provisional provides a guaranteed starting position “for world-class drivers who enter a NASCAR Cup Series race.” The provisional is similar to a “promoter’s choice provisional” utilized in short-track racing and dirt racing to ensure a high-caliber driver’s entry into a feature race.

Castroneves meets those qualifications as a four-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 and three-time champion of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Trackhouse Racing announced Castroneves’ entry to the Daytona 500 on Jan. 6 in the team’s No. 91 Chevrolet as part of its Project 91 initiative.

MORE: 2025 Cup schedule | Full Daytona Speedweek schedule

If Castroneves and Trackhouse opt to utilize the provisional, the starting field of the “Great American Race” will expand to 41 cars from its previous 40-vehicle limit. As part of the rules surrounding the new provisional position, if the provisional is used, neither Castroneves nor Trackhouse would earn points, prize money or any tiebreaker benefit of finishing position. If Castroneves were to win the race, the No. 91 car would receive the trophy and become eligible for the exhibition NASCAR All-Star Race, but the finish would not count toward playoff eligibility. Additionally, the second-place finisher would inherit first-place points but would not receive playoff points or playoff eligibility.

Teams must notify NASCAR of its intention to use the provisional 90 days in advance of an event. Language surrounding the OEP was established in advance of the new Charter agreement, therefore Trackhouse Racing was aware of this provision and met the deadline to request approval for Castroneves’ entry.

Castroneves will also participate in the Feb. 15 Daytona ARCA 200, piloting the No. 82 Pinnacle Racing Group Chevrolet. Castroneves participated in an ARCA Menards Series test at the 2.5-mile Daytona oval Thursday, posting the 27th-fastest speed at 179.465 mph across the two-day session.

The 67th annual Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 16 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Posted on January 10, 2025January 10, 2025 by Zack Albert

Competition officials released updates to the NASCAR Rule Book on Friday, including a measure that creates a new provisional starting berth which would increase the Cup Series’ starting grid to a maximum of 41 cars for select races.

The “Open Exemption Provisional” rule was one of a handful of changes issued in a rule book bulletin to the NASCAR industry Friday. Other updates were made to the Cup Series’ Damaged Vehicle Policy, the process for granting waivers for playoff eligibility, and penalties for rules violations by manufacturers.

Competition officials compared the new provisional spot to the “promoter’s choice provisional” that’s used in some forms of short-track racing to guarantee a starting spot for a special or invited entrant. The Open Exemption Provisional (OEP) rule would only become a factor if the entry list exceeded the Cup Series’ current starting-field maximum of 40 cars, and eligible drivers would need pre-approval by NASCAR on a case-by-case basis – with racing experience and accolades carrying significant weight.

An OEP entry would be eligible for the race win, the trophy and All-Star Race eligibility, but would not be eligible for championship points from that event, prize money or playoff eligibility.

The Open Exemption Provisional takes on added focus for this season’s Daytona 500 (Feb. 16, 2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), with several non-chartered “open” entries planned already for the “Great American Race,” and more expected to be announced soon.

Among other updates in Friday’s rule book bulletin:

• NASCAR officials updated the Damaged Vehicle Policy (DVP) for the Cup Series starting this season, adjusting the rule that damaged cars that are either driven or towed to the garage will be out of the race. Starting in 2025, cars will be permitted to continue in the race after repairs in the garage.

Officials will continue to maintain a seven-minute time limit (eight minutes for Atlanta Motor Speedway events) for repairs made on pit road. Any repairs exceeding the seven-minute limit must be made in the Cup Series garage, where no clock will be kept on repair work. Teams will be penalized if a car leaves its pit box to rejoin the race and the DVP clock expires before it reaches pit exit.

Any vehicle unable to be driven to pit road because of crash damage or flat tires will be towed to the garage.

• If competition officials grant a waiver for playoff eligibility, in some circumstances that driver will forfeit any playoff points accumulated in the regular season. Such a driver would start the playoffs with a baseline maximum of 2,000 points in the re-set standings.

Playoff points would be forfeited if a waiver is granted after a suspension or if a driver chooses to skip a race. Playoff points would not be forfeited in the event of a medical absence, missing a race for the birth of a child or a family emergency, or if age restrictions prevent a driver from racing a full season.

• NASCAR officials clarified the penalty structure for rules violations made by OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Such infractions may result in loss of manufacturers’ points, and/or a reduction in wind-tunnel testing time or computational fluid dynamics (CFD) test runs. Penalties will be assessed for violating policies in place for vehicle testing, wind-tunnel limits, event-roster protocols and code of conduct.

• Competition officials adjusted the wording for the “100% rule” of performance obligations, changing the focus on competitor(s) who “artificially alter the finishing positions” to competitor(s) who “manipulate the outcome” of the event.

• NASCAR officials also formally added changes to practice and qualifying procedures, which were introduced in December.

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Staff Report

Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen will combine to compete in nine NASCAR Xfinity Series races for JR Motorsports in 2025, Trackhouse Racing announced Thursday.

The pair of Trackhouse teammates in the NASCAR Cup Series will dip their toes back into the Xfinity pool, where Chastain will compete in four events and SVG will race in five.

Chastain, a two-time winner in Xfinity competition, will pilot the No. 9 Chevrolet for JRM at Circuit of The Americas on March 1 in addition to events at Darlington Raceway (April 5), Nashville Superspeedway (May 31), Dover Motor Speedway (July 19) and Iowa Speedway (Aug. 2).

Van Gisbergen, the road-course ace who earned three victories in his rookie Xfinity campaign in 2024, is scheduled to get behind the wheel in Mexico City (June 14), at the Chicago Street Race (July 5), at Sonoma Raceway (July 12) and at Watkins Glen International (Aug. 9).

“I think there is a lot of benefit to getting seat time on Saturdays in the Xfinity Series,” Chastain said in a press release. “Getting an opportunity to do it with JR Motorsports is too good an opportunity to pass up. I know every time I climb in their Chevrolets, we will have a chance to win.”

“I’m trying to get as much experience as I can,” van Gisbergen, the three-time Supercars champion, said in a release. “JR Motorsports is one of the top teams and won the championship with Justin Allgaier. I can’t wait to get started.”

Racing full-time in 2025 for JRM are Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, Sammy Smith and Trackhouse development driver Connor Zilisch.

MORE: Through the years: Cup drivers of the No. 88

SVG won his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, becoming the first driver in 60 years to accomplish the feat. His 2024 Xfinity campaign marked his first full season in NASCAR and enters 2025 as a Cup Series rookie, driving the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet full-time.

Chastain returns to Trackhouse for his fourth season with the organization. Across the past three years, Chastain has collected five wins, 31 top fives and 49 top 10s with Trackhouse, advancing to the Championship 4 in 2022.

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Staff Report

Rising motorsports star Corey Day signed a multiyear agreement with Hendrick Motorsports set to support his efforts across a variety of pavement series throughout 2025, the team announced Thursday.

As part of the agreement, Day, 19, will race a part-time schedule in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the Hendrick program. The Clovis, California, native and dirt ace will additionally log time in the Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and Trans Am Series.

Spire Motorsports will field HendrickCars.com Chevrolets in 2025, with Day running a part-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series and Truck Series for the team.

Day will compete in eight Truck Series races as pilot of the No. 7 Spire Chevrolet, starting on March 14 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Day will also compete in four ARCA races behind the wheel of the No. 77 Chevrolet, beginning with the ARCA 200 on Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway. All 12 events will be sponsored by HendrickCars.com.

“When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, in a team release. “Corey comes from a great racing family and, in a short time, has shown a level of talent that sets him apart. What he’s already accomplished at this point in his career speaks volumes, and it’s been impressive to see how quickly he’s adapted to pavement. We’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

“Corey has the raw speed that very few drivers have,” Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson said in a team release. “What he’s done, at his age, in a sprint car is very impressive, and it doesn’t take a critical eye to see that he has the tools to have an amazing career in NASCAR. Stock cars are a different animal than sprint cars, but having Jeff (Gordon) and Kyle (Larson) in his ears is a big advantage. We’ll put Corey in good equipment with a very talented team behind him and do our part to contribute to his success. Everyone at Spire Motorsports is looking forward to seeing him on the track at Daytona and in all the events he has planned this year.”

Per Hendrick, Day signed with the team on Dec. 6, one week after his 19th birthday. With sponsorship from HendrickCars.com, he will race nearly 30 pavement events in 2025 with the championship-winning organization and its affiliate teams.

“Of guys who haven’t made it to the three series in NASCAR yet … he’s definitely the best prospect out there,” Larson told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “I definitely endorsed him for sure because I’ve gotten the chance to race with him and firsthand see how good he is. He’s probably the only one that I’ve raced with that I feel like looks like me out there. Same sort of driving style and all that, and very versatile and can hop in anything and figure it out.

“I feel like he’s gonna do a great job. When you’re with Hendrick Motorsports, you’re given a great opportunity to showcase your abilities. He’s gonna have a lot of fun this year gaining experience and hopefully he can show the world how good I know he is.”

The 2022 Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year’s first experience in a NASCAR national series occurred in 2024, when, with Hendrick support, he made his Truck Series debut in the No. 81 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. Day totaled four Truck starts in 2024, with a best finish of 16th at Homestead-Miami Speedway in October 2024.

MORE: Day’s career NASCAR, ARCA stats

“This is a dream scenario,” Day said. “I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group for providing a platform to grow and compete at this level. There’s still a lot to learn on pavement, but having such incredible support gives me a ton of confidence. I’m ready to work hard and take in as much as I can. It’s going to be a fun year.”

Day’s complete Truck schedule includes Las Vegas (March 14), Homestead-Miami (March 21), Martinsville Speedway (March 28), Bristol (April 11), Rockingham Speedway (April 18), Nashville Superspeedway (May 30), Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25) and Darlington Raceway (Aug. 30).

In three total ARCA Menards Series races in 2024, Day compiled three top-15 finishes, including a fourth-place result at Kansas Speedway in the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet. Day additionally competed in one ARCA Menards Series East race, with a seventh-place result at Bristol.

Day’s four-race ARCA slate includes Daytona (Feb. 15), Phoenix Raceway (March 7), Sonoma Raceway (July 11) and Kansas Speedway (Sept. 26).

The 2025 Xfinity Series campaign begins Feb. 15 (5 p.m. ET, The CW, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). The 2025 Truck Series season kicks off on Feb. 14 at Daytona (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio).

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by John Crane

Editor’s Note: Today’s Hyak Motorsports preview continues NASCAR.com’s countdown of team previews for the 2025 Cup Series season.

HYAK MOTORSPORTS

Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Engine: Hendrick Motorsports
Driver-crew chief pairing: Ricky Stenhouse Jr.-Mike Kelley (No. 47)

Team outlook: 2025 marks a new era for the longtime JTG Daugherty race team. Following a rebrand announced in November, the newly minted Hyak Motorsports — with “Hyak” meaning “fast” in Chinook Jargon — looks to bring a revamped look following a 2024 campaign that saw the team miss the Cup Series Playoffs. A rebrand, however, doesn’t mean a complete disassociation from familiarity as the team will maintain Ricky Stenhouse Jr. as its No. 47 pilot and additionally remain within the Hendrick Motorsports sphere of influence. Although 2024 might have been a step back compared to a Round of 16 postseason appearance in 2023, there were plenty of electric moments from 2024 that can be built upon, with the main highlight coming in spoiler fashion at Talladega Superspeedway during the Round of 12. With Stenhouse’s knack for winning at superspeedways (look no further than his 2023 Daytona 500 triumph), there is plenty of optimism within the Hyak camp as 2025 approaches. The season can’t come fast enough.

RICKY STENHOUSE JR., NO. 47 CHEVROLET

Experience: 12 full seasons in NASCAR Cup Series
2024 stats: 25th in final Cup Series standings; 1 win, 3 top fives, 6 top 10s
2025 championship odds (DraftKings): 200-1

Outlook: Yes, it’s true Stenhouse’s 2024 season wasn’t on par with his 2023. Yes, Stenhouse finished with fewer top 10s (nine vs. six) and laps led (39 vs. 28). His average start (21.8 vs. 25.7) and average finish (17.8 vs. 22.1) took a step back, certainly. Even still, there were positive building blocks. A 0.006-second OT victory at Talladega during the height of playoff racing — despite not being a playoff driver — gave Stenhouse the honor of going back-to-back seasons with a Cup win. Three top fives in 2024 were additionally a slight improvement from 2023 when the No. 47 tallied only two. Familiarity again plays a factor. Another year of crew chief Mike Kelley — entering his third year as crew chief for Stenhouse — only brings more continuity and grows the already strong relationship with Stenhouse, which spans back to the driver’s time in the Xfinity Series from 2010-12. Steady production on superspeedways (three of Stenhouse’s top-10 finishes in 2024 came at Atlanta and Talladega) and team stability between driver and crew chief should see Stenhouse and the No. 47 team rebound and make playoff noise once more.

MORE: 2025 Cup Series schedule

BOLD PREDICTION: Stenhouse and the No. 47 team will win not once … but twice in 2025. The superspeedway prowess is already known, given all four of Stenhouse’s Cup triumphs to date have come on them, and 21 of Stenhouse’s 28 laps led in 2024 came at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega, the same two tracks where Stenhouse has found Victory Lane at the Cup level. Stenhouse’s superspeedway talent definitely gives him a leg up to win multiple times during a season but don’t ignore the 37-year-old’s adaptability at non-superspeedway facilities, too. A sixth-place finish at the Chicago Street Course last season — despite starting the race in 33rd — only emphasizes the No. 47’s ability to crank it up a notch on different track types. With a touch more speed, the possibility of Stenhouse tallying a multi-win season for the first time since 2017 can’t be discounted.

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Adam Fenwick

The cars are built. The decals have been applied. Preparations are done. All that’s left is the biggest dirt midget car event in the world. The 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals are here.

Held every year since 1987, the Chili Bowl annually attracts the biggest dirt racing stars from across the United States and the world to the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Every driver who enters the building wants one thing: to take home the famous Golden Driller trophy. The field of more than 300 will be narrowed down throughout the course of five days via heat races, qualifiers and preliminary main events.

Ultimately, what was once more than 300 entrants will be whittled down to just 24 starters for Saturday night’s 40-lap championship feature.

NASCAR drivers have enjoyed plenty of success throughout the history of the Chili Bowl. Christopher Bell has three Chili Bowl victories on his resume, with Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart and Dave Blaney being among the others who have hoisted the Golden Driller at least once.

The 2025 edition of the event will see seven drivers who made NASCAR Cup Series starts in 2024 mixing it up with the best midget car drivers in the world, including Tanner Thorson, Buddy Kofoid and defending winner Logan Seavey.

Below is a guide on the NASCAR drivers competing in the Chili Bowl.

NASCAR drivers at the Chili Bowl in 2025

Kyle Larson at the 2022 Chili Bowl (Nick Oxford/NASCAR)

Kyle Larson (No. 1K Silva Motorsports)

Making his 17th attempt at the Chili Bowl is 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. A two-time Chili Bowl champion (2020 and 2021), Larson has made the championship feature 11 times during his career.

He’s already taken home two trophies this year inside the SageNet Center after winning the A-Class and Outlaw features during the Tulsa Shootout.

One season ago, he made a surprise return to the Chili Bowl, but a flip during his preliminary night ended his hopes of making the Saturday finale. He’ll look to right the ship and return to the Chili Bowl main event for the first time since 2022.

Kyle Busch, shown here at Lee USA Speedway in 2023, will make his Chili Bowl Nationals debut this year. (Photo: Susan Wong/NASCAR)

Kyle Busch (No. 51K Kyle Busch Motorsports)

It’s not often you find something Kyle Busch has never done, but that’s exactly the case as the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion makes his Chili Bowl Nationals debut. Driving his own No. 51K midget car, Busch will look to turn in a strong performance during his first Chili Bowl.

This isn’t the first time Busch has raced inside the SageNet Center. He’s competed in the Tulsa Shootout three times, with his most recent attempt coming just two weeks ago.

He even scored a pair of heat race wins during his Tulsa Shootout campaign.

Christopher Bell looks over the track before the 2022 Chili Bowl Nationals finale at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Jan. 15, 2022. (Photo: Nick Oxford/NASCAR)

Christopher Bell (No. 71W KKM – Curb-Agajanian)

After being forced to miss the last two Chili Bowl Nationals due to rules put in place by Joe Gibbs Racing, Christopher Bell is back and ready to chase his fourth Golden Driller. The three-time (2017-19) event winner has made the championship feature nine times in 12 previous attempts.

His most recent Chili Bowl Nationals start came in 2022, when he finished second to winner Tanner Thorson.

He’s already gotten a bit of practice in inside the SageNet Center this year by competing in the Tulsa Shootout, where he won the Non-Wing Outlaw feature in a photo finish over Larson.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. during the 2024 Chili Bowl (Photo: Nick Oxford/NASCAR)

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 86X CB Industries)

Another NASCAR Cup Series race winner with plenty of experience inside the SageNet Center is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The 2023 Daytona 500 winner has made 17 previous Chili Bowl appearances, making the championship feature eight times.

His best effort came during the 2021 running of the event, when he finished seventh in the championship feature.

One season ago he, like Larson, made a surprise appearance at the Chili Bowl and raced his way to the C-Main on championship Saturday before he was eliminated.

Ty Gibbs will make his Chili Bowl Nationals debut during the 2025 running of the event. (Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Ty Gibbs (No. 81 CB Industries)

Another NASCAR Cup Series driver making his Chili Bowl Nationals debut this year is Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs, who honed his skills racing on dirt at North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway.

He recently made his Midget racing debut during the annual Turkey Night Grand Prix at California’s Ventura Raceway and will look to turn heads during his first Chili Bowl.

Gibbs will be racing as a teammate to Stenhouse, with both drivers set to compete for CB Industries.

J.J. Yeley during the 2024 Chili Bowl Nationals at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Jan. 13, 2024. (Photo: Nick Oxford/NASCAR)

J.J. Yeley (No. 3J Petty Performance Racing)

One of the best dirt racers of his generation, veteran NASCAR star J.J. Yeley returns to the Chili Bowl Nationals for his 29th attempt to capture the prestigious Golden Driller trophy.

In his 28 previous attempts, Yeley has made the championship feature eight times, including scoring a runner-up finish during the 2007 Chili Bowl.

Yeley made history during the 2004 running of the event, advancing a stunning 69 positions from his F-Main to finish third in the Chili Bowl championship race.

Josh Bilicki during the 2023 Chili Bowl Nationals at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Jan. 14, 2023. (Photo: Nick Oxford/NASCAR)

Josh Bilicki (No. 40B Chase McDermand Racing)

Journeyman NASCAR competitor Josh Bilicki is back at the SageNet Center for the third consecutive year to take part in the 2025 Chili Bowl Nationals.

His best effort in his previous two starts came in 2023 when he made it to a J-Main on championship Saturday.

Brent Crews will seek to make his second Chili Bowl Nationals championship feature in 2025. (Photo: Nic Antaya/ARCA Racing)

Brent Crews (No. 71M Paul May Motorsports)

A victor in ARCA Menards Series competition each of the last two seasons who is slated for a part-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series effort with Tricon Garage in 2025, Brent Crews will attempt to make the Chili Bowl Nationals championship feature for the second time during his career.

The 16-year-old has made three previous attempts inside the SageNet Center, with his best effort coming in 2023 when he finished 24th in the Saturday night finale.

Corey Day finished third during the 2024 edition of the Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. (Photo: Ed Zurga/ARCA Racing)

Corey Day (No. 41 Willie Kahne)

A fast rising star in the sprint car world who has also begun dabbling in NASCAR, Corey Day is back for his fourth attempt at the Chili Bowl Nationals in 2025.

In three previous attempts inside the SageNet Center, Day has made the championship feature twice.

His best effort came last year, when he finished third in the Saturday night main event behind winner Logan Seavey and runner-up Buddy Kofoid.

Posted on January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 by Staff Report

Hendrick Motorsports announced Wednesday that Amazon’s Prime Video has joined the organization as a primary sponsor for Chase Elliott and the No. 9 team through 2027. The relationship includes three races annually, complemented each year by full-season associate sponsorship.

The No. 9 Prime Video Chevrolet will debut at Talladega Superspeedway on April 27, followed by Kansas Speedway on May 11 and the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 18.

The paint scheme was also revealed Wednesday on social media.

Prime Video’s three primary events with Elliott will lead directly into the streaming service’s five-race Cup Series broadcast slate, which kicks off with the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25. Prime Video is NASCAR’s first fully direct-to-consumer media partner.

“We’re thrilled to work with Hendrick Motorsports and Chase as we begin our NASCAR coverage in 2025,” said Stacey Rosenson, Amazon’s Director and Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, in a press release. “It represents an exciting extension of our new NASCAR relationship. Chase is a wildly popular, championship-winning driver, and we can’t wait to see the No. 9 Prime Video team in action as we approach our streaming debut.”

In addition to streaming five races to conclude the first half of the Cup Series season, Prime Video will present exclusive coverage of practice and qualifying for almost the entire first half of the Cup schedule (excluding the Cook Out Clash, Duel at Daytona, Daytona 500, and the NASCAR All-Star Race). Fans in the United States will be able to watch NASCAR live at home or on the go and across hundreds of compatible devices, streaming from the web or using the Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, game consoles and connected TVs.

“Welcoming Prime Video to our team is a proud moment,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports in a press release. “They’ve committed to our sport in a big way and are taking an innovative approach to delivering world-class broadcasts and content to our fans. Hendrick Motorsports is ready to support their efforts, and we look forward to building something special together over the next three years.”

MORE: 2025 Cup Series schedule

Elliott, 29, won the Cup Series championship in 2020, owns 19 Cup Series victories and has been voted Most Popular Driver in the series for seven consecutive years dating back to 2018.

“It’s great to see Prime Video come into NASCAR and now join us at Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 9 team,” Elliott said in a press release. “They’re leaders in entertainment and technology, and I think that’s a perfect fit on a lot of levels. Seeing a fresh perspective on our sport is cool, and I’m happy to be a part of the effort and have their support.”