From Bryan Hulbert
Tulsa, OK — (December 22, 2012) — With just under twenty days remaining until the 27th running of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire, the list of drivers has grown to 246 for the January 8-12, 2013 event.
Representing the United States, drivers from 32 states have submitted their names for a chance at a Golden Driller with California and Oklahoma each providing 35 drivers into the annual Midget extravaganza at the Tulsa Expo Center. Making the Chili Bowl and truly international event, drivers from Australia, New Zealand, Finland, and Canada will again make the trip to “Green Country”.
With entries submitted, several teams still have vacancies to be filled. Presently 15 cars are registered with a driver yet to be determined. Among the teams include Team Raypro, David Camfield Motorsports, Mark Bush Motorsports, and A.J. Felker Racing just to name a few.
A staple event of the Chili Bowl, the VIROC will enter its fifth year. Changing the company’s name to Vacuworx Global during 2012, the race will still be the VIROC but will be presented as the Vacuworx Invitational Race of Champions rather than the Vacuworx International Race of Champions. Scheduled for Tuesday’s Warren CAT Qualifying night, the list of drivers eligible for the VIROC V will be released in the coming weeks.
Over the past 26 previous events, 198 drivers have made the final A-Feature of the Chili bowl with 17 taking home the Golden Driller. Of the drivers who have made it into Saturday’s finale, the 27th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire will see 58 of them in action with six past champions also in the mix as reining three-peat Champion Kevin Swindell (2011, 2010, and 2009) is joined by Tracy Hines (2005), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Damion Gardner (2008), Tim McCreadie (2006) and of course five time Chili Bowl Champion Sammy Swindell (2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989).
A complete list of drivers for the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire can be found at http://www.chilibowl.com/
The 27th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire will begin moving teams in on Sunday January 6, 2013.
Practice is scheduled for Monday January 7th with the first night of competition getting underway with Tuesday’s Warren CAT Qualifying night as well as the 5th annual Vacuworx Invitational Race of Champions.
Competition continues with Wednesday’s River Spirit Casino Qualifier, Thursday’s John Christner Trucking Qualifier, and Friday Vacuworx Global Qualifier with everything culminating on Saturday’s Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Championship.
The top three in each of the US Fleet Tracking Qualifying Night A-Features will transfer directly into the Saturday January 12th Feature event with the remainder of Saturday’s US Fleet Tracking Championship Feature lined up according to the Qualifying night finishes.
Tuesday night tickets are the only reserved seats still available which can be obtained by calling the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777. General Admission seating is available along the back straight-a-way and can be accessed with the purchase of a Pit Pass.
Additional information regarding the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl presented by General Tire can be found online at http://www.chilibowl.com. For more updates follow the Chili Bowl on Facebook and on Twitter @cbnationals.
Lucas Oil Chili Bowl presented by General Tire – Quick Facts:
What: 27th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl presented by General Tire
Where: Tulsa Expo Raceway – ¼-mile clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center at Tulsa’s Expo Square
When: January 8-12, 2013
Tuesday – Warren CAT Qualifying Night plus Vacuworx Invitational Race of Champions
Wednesday – River Spirit Casino Qualifying Night
Thursday – John Christner Trucking Qualifying Night
Friday – Vacuworx Global Qualifying Night
Saturday – Lucas Oil Championship Feature Events
Times:
Races Tuesday-Friday begin at 6pm. Grandstands open at 3pm
Saturday begins at Noon. Opening Ceremonies following qualifiers is at 6pm. Grandstands open at 9am
Past Winners: Kevin Swindell (2012, 2011, and 2010), Sammy Swindell (2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989), Damion Gardner (2008), Tony Stewart (2007 and 2002), Tim McCreadie (2006), Tracy Hines (2005), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Dan Boorse (2003 and 1999), Jay Drake (2001), Billy Boat (1997), Donnie Beechler (1995), Andy Hillenburg (1994), Dave Blaney (1993), Lealand McSpadden (1991), John Heydenreich (1990), Scott Hatton (1988), Rich Vogler (1987).
Trade Show: A long standing tradition at the Chili Bowl, the Trade Show, which is open to the public each day (Tuesday through Saturday) is free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel and more is available with well over 100 vendors. The Trade Show still has space available. Anyone looking to be a part of the Trade Show can contact the Chili Bowl office at 918-838-3777. The Trade Show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.
Chili Bowl Online: All official news regarding the 27th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl National presented by General Tire can be found at http://www.chilibowl.com. Live online audio of each night can be found at http://www.racinboys.com.
Lucas Oil Products is the title sponsor of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. More information about the products available from Lucas Oil can be found at www.lucasoil.com. General Tire is the presenting sponsor of the Chili Bowl. A complete inventory of tires offered by General Tire can be found at www.generaltire.com.
Vacuworx Global is the title sponsor of the VIROC which brings past Chili Bowl Champions as well as champions from around the world together for a single 20 lap race to see who is the best of the best. For more information about Vacuworx log onto www.vacuworx.com. For more information on past champions of the VIROC log onto www.theviroc.com.
US Fleet Tracking is the title sponsor of all A-Features during the 2013 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. US Fleet Tracking is a GPS tracking manufacturer providing Internet-based access to LIVE vehicle tracking and asset management. For more information log onto www.usft.com.
For more information on the Chili Bowl log onto www.chilibowl.com or call 918-838-3777.