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Champion Jesse Love Returns to 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will compete in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 12-17, 2026.
He drives for 2nd Opinion Auto Center Racing, owned by NASCAR crew chief Blake Harris.
Love previously struggled to qualify for the A-Main at the Chili Bowl, flipping in 2024.
The Chili Bowl Nationals will feature nearly 400 entrants, including Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell.

History

Historical Context

The Chili Bowl Nationals, inaugurated in 1987 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, quickly became a premier midget car racing event, featuring 52 competitors in its first year. Over time, it has grown significantly, with nearly 400 entrants expected in 2026, including notable drivers like Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. This evolution reflects the rising popularity of motorsports in America and its impact on racing careers.

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Story summary

Jesse Love, the 2025 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will compete in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, January 12-17, 2026.
He drives for 2nd Opinion Auto Center Racing, owned by NASCAR crew chief Blake Harris.
Love previously struggled to qualify for the A-Main at the Chili Bowl, flipping in 2024.
The Chili Bowl Nationals will feature nearly 400 entrants, including Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell.

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