NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon is set to make a return to the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, scheduled for January 12-18, 2025, at the Tulsa Expo Raceway in Oklahoma, as the grand marshal of the event.
He first served as the grand marshal back in 2022, marking this occasion as his second time leading the opening of what is often called the "Super Bowl of Midget Racing."
The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is a well-regarded event that has been an annual tradition since it began in 1987. Initially founded by Lanny Edwards and Emmett Hahn, with the local businessman Bobby Berryhill's 'Original Chili Bowl' as the main sponsor, the event has grown in prestige and is a mainstay in the motorsport community.
Sportsnaut reporter Matt Weaver shared the news on social media, stating:
"Jeff Gordon has been announced as Grand Marshal for the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals."
Jeff Gordon has been announced as Grand Marshal for the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) January 5, 2025Over the six-day event, drivers compete in various categories, progressing through heat races to earn their spot in the main event. Jeff Gordon's past participation in the Chili Bowl, including when he competed alongside Ken Schrader in 1990 and finished 16th in the A-Mains, helped to build a bridge between NASCAR and midget racing.
Gordon's return as grand marshal demonstrates his influence not only at the Chili Bowl Nationals but also within Hendrick Motorsports. As the Vice Chairman, he has been instrumental in shaping the policy that allows NASCAR drivers to engage in non-NASCAR events like sprint car and midget racing.
Despite initial concerns from NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner Rick Hendrick regarding the risks these events pose, Gordon has been a key advocate in enabling drivers like Kyle Larson and Alex Bowman to participate in these races.
Gordon's push for participation in these events is not without scepticism. Concerns about safety have arisen, especially following incidents such as Alex Bowman's injury in 2023.
This comes ahead of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season which will kick off on February 2 with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.
2025 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule
Regular Season
- Feb. 2: Winston-Salem (Clash) - 8 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 16: Daytona 500 - 2:30 p.m., FOX
- Feb. 23: Atlanta - 3 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 2: Austin - 3:30 p.m., FOX
- Mar. 9: Phoenix - 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 16: Las Vegas - 3:30 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 23: Homestead - 3 p.m., FS1
- Mar. 30: Martinsville - 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 6: Darlington - 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 13: Bristol - 3 p.m., FS1
- Apr. 20: Off (Easter)
- Apr. 27: Talladega - 3 p.m., FOX
- May 4: Texas - 3:30 p.m., FS1
- May 11: Kansas - 3 p.m., FS1
- May 18: North Wilkesboro (All-Star) - 8 p.m., FS1
- May 25: Charlotte - 6 p.m., Prime Video
- June 1: Nashville - 7 p.m., Prime Video
- June 8: Michigan - 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 15: Mexico City - 3 p.m., Prime Video
- June 22: Pocono - 2 p.m., Prime Video
- June 28: Atlanta - 7 p.m., TNT
- July 6: Chicago street course - 2 p.m., TNT
- July 13: Sonoma - 3:30 p.m., TNT
- July 20: Dover - 2 p.m., TNT
- July 27: Indianapolis - 2 p.m., TNT
- Aug. 3: Iowa - 3:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 10: Watkins Glen - 2 p.m., USA
- Aug. 16: Richmond - 7:30 p.m., USA
- Aug. 23: Daytona - 7:30 p.m., NBC
Playoffs
- Aug. 31: Darlington - 6 p.m., USA
- Sept. 7: St. Louis - 3 p.m., USA
- Sept. 13: Bristol - 7:30 p.m., USA
- Sept. 21: New Hampshire - 2 p.m., USA
- Sept. 28: Kansas - 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 5: Charlotte road course - 3 p.m., USA
- Oct. 12: Las Vegas - 5:30 p.m., USA
- Oct. 19: Talladega - 2 p.m., NBC
- Oct. 26: Martinsville - 2 p.m., NBC
- Nov. 2: Phoenix - 3 p.m., NBC
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