Published 01/04/2023, 11:30 AM EST
As the NASCAR family bids adieu to 2022 and sets in for the new season of 2023, fans have a lot to look forward to. In January, fans will get to witness Wild West Shootout starting from the 7th and Chili Bowl from the 12. There are a lot of surprises this year in the long list of appearances at the race.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
As per sources this year at the 37th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals out of 360 drivers, there are very few NASCAR drivers on the list. In the last few years, a lot of champions graced the occasion compared to this year. NASCAR champions Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Justin Allgaier have appeared 12-13 times. Whereas, Ryan Newman and Chase Elliott appeared last year. But this year none of them are present on the Chili Bowl list.
DIVE DEEPER
“Newborn Baby and Now Your Back in the Garage!”: Emotions Run High as Hendrick Motorsports Star Kyle Larson Prepares for Next Outing on Track
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The only drivers making it to the list are Chase Briscoe, Alex Bowman, Josh Bilicki, and JJ Yeley competing at the indoor dirt track in Tulsa. There are various speculated reasons behind some of the best names not making it on the list. There are varied reasons for not being a part of this prestigious Midget race, ranging from personal to financial.
MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 29: Kyle Larson (#5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet) looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 29, 2022 at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Kyle Larson at the Chili Bowl
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Larson has been one of the most consistent at the Chili Bowl in the last few years. In fact, he has been coming to the track for the last 13 years, debuting in 2008. His journey was filled with quite a lot of ups and downs during his time. His enthusiasm and commitment kept him going each year until his breakthrough in 2020. Winning his first in 2020 with a lot of emotions, it was a moment to be remembered. He dominated in the next Chili Bowl in 2021 with his second consecutive win. The champion sure made his place firm after all the years of patience.
The Hendrick Motorsports star is a perfect example for you to keep going for something you want with enthusiasm and grit. Nothing can stop you from achieving it. He has been vocal about the fact that the prize money of the race has not grown over the years. Fans have been speculating about his reasons for skipping this year’s race. Whether it has to do with his comments about the Chili Bowl purse or a new baby arriving in the Larson family.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: “Would Say He’s Better Than Me” – Kyle Larson Once Described the “Best” Driver He Wants to Beat and It Wasn’t Hendrick Motorsports Rival Chase Elliott
As per his social media, we will see the NASCAR Champion racing at the Wild West Shootout this year. Fans can be merry to witness their favorite with the season starting soon. This year has begun with a lot of surprises. Fans can’t wait to see what more the year brings. Do drop your comments below.