Kyle Larson dominated the race by leading every single one of the 40 laps, ultimately fending off a fierce late challenge from Daison Pursley to secure victory at the prestigious 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals held at the Tulsa Expo Square on Saturday night. Larson, who started from the pole position, quickly established a significant lead over the rest of the competitors. However, as the race progressed and they encountered lapped traffic, Pursley began to close the gap, creating an exciting competition between the two drivers. Despite the pressure, Larson’s skill and experience allowed him to maintain his lead until the caution flag was waved.
As the race approached its final 10 laps, the tension escalated. Pursley, appearing to have a genuine opportunity to take the lead, managed to pull alongside Larson with just five laps remaining when Larson unexpectedly ran high against the wall. Unfortunately for Pursley, a caution flag interrupted the flow of the race when a sponsor banner became dislodged and flew onto the track directly in front of Larson. This critical moment highlighted the unpredictable nature of racing and the challenges drivers face.
In the closing laps, Pursley made several bold attempts to overtake Larson, executing a series of sliders in his pursuit of the lead. Despite his aggressive maneuvers and determination, Larson proved resilient and ultimately crossed the finish line first, taking home the checkered flag. This thrilling finish emphasized the competitive spirit of the Chili Bowl, showcasing the exceptional talent among the top racers.
In total, an impressive 11 Toyota-powered drivers qualified for the coveted 24-car A Main feature on Saturday, a testament to Toyota’s dominance in the event, which attracted a remarkable 392 entries. Other notable performances included Buddy Kofoid, finishing in sixth place, Gavin Miller in eighth, Emerson Axsom in ninth, and Christopher Bell rounding out the top ten. This success showcases the competitive edge that Toyota brings to the racing scene.
Toyota Chili Bowl Highlights and Achievements:
– Since 2015, Toyota-powered drivers have secured a total of eight victories at the Chili Bowl Nationals, further solidifying their status in this prestigious event.
Insights from the Race:
Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports, TMNA: “Tonight’s performance from the Toyota engines was remarkable. The Chili Bowl is known as the pinnacle of midget car racing, and the level of competition here is incredibly high. We’re immensely proud not only to have witnessed our Toyota-powered vehicles finish in the top two positions but also to have so many of our cars successfully advance to the A Main tonight.”
Daison Pursley, CB Industries Toyota: “I aimed to keep pace with Kyle for all 40 laps. The track was very technical; you could create an opening in one corner only to lose it in the next. I’m experiencing a mix of emotions right now. Winning this race was important to me, but racing against someone of Kyle’s caliber is an honor. Having raced here since childhood, this experience is invaluable. I’ve been fortunate to drive in many great cars, including our CB Industries Toyota tonight. When the caution came out due to the banner, I felt hopeful, but racing can be unpredictable, and that’s what makes winning here so challenging.”
Buddy Kofoid, Keith Kunz Motorsports Toyota: “Once we entered the feature, we started in 14th position, and I felt confident throughout the race. The track conditions deteriorated, making it hard to gain ground. However, I knew we had a strong car and felt competitive against many of the other drivers. During the last restart, we managed to pass three or four cars, showcasing our speed. Although it was disappointing not to finish higher, it was a great recovery after being involved in a crash on our preliminary night. I owe thanks to Beau Binder, Keith Kunz, Mobil 1, and Toyota for their unwavering support. Returning to the Chili Bowl is always a highlight for me.”
Results from the 2025 Toyota Chili Bowl
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