Grit, Preparation, and Performance on Racing’s Biggest Indoor Stage
For more than three decades, the Chili Bowl Nationals has earned its reputation as one of the most challenging events in motorsports. Held each January inside the Tulsa Expo Raceway, it brings together hundreds of elite drivers for a week where nothing comes easy.
There is no practice. Track conditions change constantly. Passing is earned inch by inch. As a result, every lap demands patience, confidence, and precise execution.
For fans, the Chili Bowl represents one of the most anticipated weeks in dirt racing. Packed grandstands, late-night features, and nonstop action create an atmosphere unlike any other event on the calendar. Meanwhile, for drivers, simply transferring out of a race can be a defining moment. Winning is rare. Surviving the week is the real challenge.
Why the Chili Bowl Matters to RelaDyne
For RelaDyne, being part of the Chili Bowl Nationals extends far beyond visibility. As the parent company of DuraMAX and Drydene, RelaDyne supports an event that mirrors its own standards.
The Chili Bowl rewards preparation, reliability, and adaptability. Those same qualities define how RelaDyne and its brands operate every day. Success here is never accidental. It is built through planning, trusted equipment, and disciplined execution under pressure.
Throughout the 2026 event, drivers backed by DuraMAX, RelaDyne, and Drydene reflected those values. Each night brought new challenges. However, the approach stayed the same: arrive ready, race smart, and fight for every position.
A Week Defined by Effort and Execution
Across six preliminary nights, our teams faced one of the deepest fields in dirt racing. While results varied, the effort never did. From qualifying wins to late-race passes, each performance added to a collective story of determination and grit.
Below is a recap of the week’s on-track action, from the preliminary nights through Saturday night’s final races in Tulsa.
Justin Peck | No. 3P | DuraMAX
Justin Peck entered Saturday’s Chili Bowl Nationals program following a strong preliminary showing earlier in the week. In B-Feature #2, Peck lined up ready to contend before mechanical issues ultimately impacted the run. He finished 18th, closing out a week that included a qualifier win and a Preliminary A-Main appearance.
J.J. Yeley | No. 3J | DuraMAX
J.J. Yeley returned to action on Saturday after navigating a demanding preliminary night earlier in the week. Starting deep in the field in B-Feature #1, Yeley worked through multiple restarts and tight racing to finish 16th, bringing his Chili Bowl Nationals campaign to a close after another hard-fought appearance at the event.
Connor Lundy | No. 2P | Drydene
Connor Lundy concluded his Chili Bowl Nationals debut with a determined drive on Saturday night. Competing in H-Feature #1, Lundy battled through traffic and maintained a steady pace to secure an 8th-place finish. The result capped off a week of valuable experience against one of the deepest fields in dirt racing.
R.J. Johnson | No. 1P | RelaDyne
R.J. Johnson continued his Chili Bowl Nationals momentum into Saturday after making the show during his preliminary night. Competing in D-Feature #1, Johnson battled through a challenging race and finished 16th, capping a week highlighted by late-race execution and a Feature transfer earlier in the program.
Cameron LaRose | No. 5P | RelaDyne
Cameron La Rose wrapped up his Chili Bowl Nationals run on Saturday with a strong effort in a highly competitive field. After advancing into the Saturday program, LaRose competed in F-Feature #2 and finished 16th, closing out a week that showcased early speed, solid heat race performance, and resilience through changing track conditions.
Wesley Smith | No. 4P | DuraMAX
Wesley Smith rounded out the Chili Bowl Nationals on Saturday night with a determined performance in E-Feature #2. Smith stayed patient through the race and brought home a 17th-place finish, completing a consistent week marked by steady forward progress and adaptability as track conditions evolved.
One Event, Three Brands, One Standard
Ultimately, the Chili Bowl Nationals once again proved why it remains one of motorsports’ toughest stages. Across DuraMAX, RelaDyne, and Drydene, our teams arrived prepared and competed with purpose.
While outcomes differed, the common thread was clear. Preparation mattered. Reliability mattered. Grit mattered. That is what the Chili Bowl demands — and what these teams delivered.