TULSA, Okla. The old saying suggesting that there are lies, damn lies and statistics held true for the Saturday night finale of the 39^th Chili Bowl Nationals at Tulsa Expo Raceway.

The final report will read that Kyle Larson led every lap but that hardly tells the story. Larson used up two lives. First, he somehow ramped over a car without sustaining damage and then there was the errant banner that may have saved his night. For a dozen years luck was not on Larsons side whether the issues were self-imposed or not. This year Dame Fortune smiled upon him.

The banner was on the race track. The yellow had to be thrown. Thats the bottom line. No, the fact that Kyle Larson running the high line against the wall may have been the final factor in the banner coming dislodged, does not signify that he was the cause of the yellow flag. It is in essence a track equipment failure.

The Daison Pursley story continued with his second-place finish on Saturday night. It is a sure bet that the USAC national midget champion made hundreds of fans with his wont-quit attitude. There was nothing for this kid to hang his head about. He truly is an inspiration to many. He went toe to toe with Kyle Larson and did not blink,

It was clear that the return of Christopher Bell, and the knowledge that Kyle Larson was committed to the race created a discernable buzz that only a rivalry can. Because they are high-profile talents the interest in the Chili Bowl is elevated among casual fans.

This began with the Tulsa Shootout where both men had success. Bells joy to be back seemed to be genuine and it speaks to a theme that has been echoed for years. For many the dream is to get a chance in a series like NASCAR, but once there, some long for a simpler time.

As an extension of this theme, although Bell fell one spot short of an automatic transfer on his preliminary night he was still grinning from ear to ear. One had the sense that he genuinely had fun.

One wonders if the return to a dirt or short track might provide the needed spark that some need to regain passion for the sport. This suggests that some owners in series like NASCAR or IndyCar should not only refrain from restricting their drivers participation in such events but encourage it.

Bells situation (and others) is a reminder in this format getting the automatic transfer is huge. Given the overall quality of the equipment on hand, and the depth of the talent level you cannot spot the field five rows. Nonetheless, it was surprising to most that he (finished 10^th) made so little noise in the end.

At the conclusion of the 2024 race there appeared to be more open conversations about tire doping, and other forms of cheating. There was a time when the Chili Bowl was conducted like the early days of the World of Outlaws where the operating slogan was Run Whatya Brung.

Given how big this race has become it seems that officials felt the need to tighten the reins. A message was sent during the Tulsa Shootout with tire doping penalties and transparent tech procedures.

Which leads to this week. The social response to the disqualifications over tires suffered by Clinton Boyles and Hunter Schuerenberg is a reminder that people who complain that officials never enforce the rules are the same people who complain when they do. You cant win.

Along this line, the decision to dial the Saturday night feature back from 55 to 40 laps had to be made with a great deal of sensitivity. The relationship between the Hahn and Crawford family is decades deep, and honoring the late Donnie Ray Crawford was important.

Yet, it was deflating to spend a full week building up to one of the most important races of the year only to have a track that could not support multi-groove racing. Most competitors seemed to be on board with the change.

However, some candid observations exonerated the track crew and pointed the finger at tire doping. In fact, it was suggested by some that once doping was brought under control a return to a 55-lap finale would be feasible.

The Tulsa Shootout, given the quality of the racing this year may have been the greatest commercial the Chili Bowl has ever had. If this assessment is correct, it is an endorsement of the positive power of streamed events. This may pay off in an influx of sponsors for both events. Look for the Shootout attendance to rise significantly in 2026.

As for the Chili Bowl, how many people can the place hold? By Friday night it was shoulder to shoulder everywhere you turned. If you were on hand for the inaugural edition of the Chili Bowl, consider that there were nearly ten times the number of entries in 2024. How much of an increase have we seen in attendance? That would require a calculator to figure out.

Perhaps it is a function of racing primarily in the West, but Shane Golobic does not receive the recognition he deserves. Among the stars of the 2025 Chili Bowl was Matt Wood Racing. It was interesting to note how many of the team drivers highlighted Golobics role as a leader. There may be a real future for him outside the cockpit the moment he decides to hang up his helmet.

Until then, perhaps this third-place finish will shine a deserved light on him.

The youth movement was in full force. It is interesting to note that some of the drivers who were the source of scorn and consternation just a few years ago have blossomed into prime-time players. The Wednesday night finish was Emerson Axsom, Daison Pursley and Corey Day. Combined age? 59. It was also a breakout Chili Bowl for Landon Brooks.

On Wednesday night, a thrilled Ryan Bernal snatched second place away from Christopher Bell. His post-race comments, including the idea of working on himself were candid.

In 2021, Jason McDougals spectacular run through the alphabet soup on Saturday ended abruptly after contact with Bernal. The reaction at the venue and on social media was not kind, and occasionally clearly over the top. This felt like a redemption moment for Bernal, who backed it up with a fourth-place run on Saturday.

More people should understand that Tim Buckwalter, the Saturday night hard charger, can wheel any type of car you give him. Modified, midget, sprint car it doesnt matter.

This may have been from start to finish the best Chili Bowl Nationals ever. The quality of the racing, the intensity and the fan support was remarkable. Was it the crackdown on tire doping that made the difference?

Perhaps. Either way the track crew, a squad which has been maligned in the past, should take a bow. Saturday night the best in the business used the ledge to their advantage. It was compelling.

The Chili Bowl always delivers, but this year was truly special.