Chili Bowl lineup has big names, international drivers

BY JOHN RITTENOURE World Correspondent
Tuesday, January 08, 2013
1/08/13 at 6:52 AM

One look at the lineup for the 27th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals reveals the race has truly become an international event. A total of 276 drivers from 33 states plus Australia, Canada, Finland and New Zealand have entered.

The first 70 drivers will hit the track Tuesday night when qualifying gets under way at 6 p.m. inside the Expo Center.

A quick look at the star-studded field reveals 42 rookie drivers, seven past champions and 54 past main event starters.

Tuesday through Friday will consist of qualifying with a complete program each night of heat races, qualifying heats, last-chance races and a 25-lap feature. The top three finishers each night will transfer into Saturday's 55-lap finale. The remainder of the field will return on Saturday afternoon to run semi-feature events in what will be their last chance to qualify for the finale.

Tuesday night also will feature the VIROC V Invitational Race of Champions. Fifteen drivers have been selected to run the 25-lap event.

Five-time Chili Bowl champion and three-time VIROC champion Sammy Swindell is entered along with his son Kevin, the three-time defending Chili Bowl champion.

Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup and two-time Chili Bowl champion Tony Stewart will be in the VIROC lineup. Stewart also will compete in Tuesday's qualifying sessions in his quest to earn another Chili Bowl title.

Reserved seats for Wednesday-Saturday are sold out, but seats still remain for Tuesday's events. Original Print Headline: Chili Bowl lineup features big names

Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals

Through Saturday

Expo Center at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds

Associated Images:

Sammy Swindell: The five-time Chili Bowl champion will run the Race of Champions on Tuesday night.