Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (January 10, 2011) – The Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 was one of the defining moments of pre-Oklahoma state history. And, each January, that Land Rush is reenacted in part when the big doors of the Tulsa Fairgrounds QuikTrip Center open up for Chili Bowl Nationals parking.
That rush took place beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, with all 260-plus race teams from throughout 29 states as well as Australia and New Zealand loaded into the enormous building in record time. By 3:30 p.m., all trailers had been parked and teams were busy putting the final touches on their race cars for this weekend’s 25th Anniversary of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals at the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway.
While curious, early-arriving fans strolled the aisles in the pits, checking the latest trick items and special graphics, one particular machine stood out from the pack.
With five racing entries for this week, the Loyet Motorsports team rolled out a sixth car. And, after paging promoters Emmett Hahn and Lanny Edwards to the area, unveiled a slick-looking Silver Anniversary car.
According to Loyet Motorsports PR, “Loyet Motorsports is honored to strip their trademark orange paint and replace it with silver to commemorate this milestone.” While adorned with the “Hahn” nameplate on Sunday, by Tuesday the nameplate will be replaced with “Hockett” in tribute to Jesse Hockett, the missing member of the Loyet Motorsports Chili Bowl team.
On display throughout the week, the car will undoubtedly be a popular attraction.
The engines fire to life for the first time at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, with a practice session that will run through the day until approximately 6:00 p.m.
Then, the chase for the Golden Driller begins in earnest with Tuesday night’s Warren CAT Qualifier that also includes VIROC III, the Third Annual Vacuworx International Race of Champions.
Qualifying action continues with Wednesday’s River Spirit Casino Qualifier, Thursday’s Rockstar Energy Drink Qualifier and Friday’s Vacuworx International Qualifier. Those four set the stage for Saturday’s Rockstar Energy Drink slate of championship feature events.
Additional information, including the current list of entries for the 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals is available at http://www.chilibowl.com/2011chilibowlentries.asp.
Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Quick Facts:
What: 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals
Where: Tulsa Expo Raceway – ¼-mile clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds
When:
January 11-15, 2011
Tuesday – Warren CAT Qualifying Night plus Vacuworx Int’l Chili Bowl Race of Champions
Wednesday – River Spirit Casino Qualifying Night
Thursday – Rockstar Energy Drink Qualifying Night
Friday – Vacuworx International Qualifying Night
Saturday – Lucas Oil Championship Feature Events
Past Winners: Kevin Swindell (2010), Sammy Swindell (2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989), Damion Gardner (2008), Tony Stewart (2007 and 2002), Tim McCreadie (2006), Tracy Hines (2005), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Dan Boorse (2003 and 1999), Jay Drake (2001), Billy Boat (1997), Donnie Beechler (1995), Andy Hillenburg (1994), Dave Blaney (1993), Lealand McSpadden (1991), Jon Heydenreich (1990), Scott Hatton (1988), Rich Vogler (1987).
Trade Show: Always a popular attraction at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is the Trade Show, which is open to the public each day (Tuesday through Saturday) free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel and more is available with well over 100 different vendors. The Trade Show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.
Tickets: A limited number of reserved seats for Tuesday night’s Warren CAT Qualifying Event and the Third Annual Vacuworx International Chili Bowl Race of Champions are available for $43 per person and may be obtained by calling 918-838-3777 or at the gate if still available. Pit passes for all five nights are available at the gate as well.
Chili Bowl on TV: Portions of the 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals will be broadcast on SPEED TV on a tape-delayed basis.
Chili Bowl on the Net: All official news pertaining to the 25th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, including official entry lists, race results and recaps, is available first at www.chilibowl.com. Also, all five nights of the Chili Bowl Nationals will be broadcast live (audio) on www.racinboys.com.
Additional information regarding the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is available at http://www.chilibowl.com/ or by calling 918-838-3777.
[i Photo: Lucas Oil Chili Bowl promoters Emmett Hahn (left) and Lanny Edwards (right) pose with the 25th Anniversary Chili Bowl Nationals car prepared by Loyet Motorsports. (Tim Aylwin photo)]
