2013 Chili Bowl grows

With the first days of the mercury dipping below freezing comes the undeniable sign that Emmett and Lanny’s gift to the racing world will soon be upon us as the countdown to the 27th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire comes under the 30 day mark.

With the first loads of clay being moved in starting December 11, 2012, the pre-entry list for the 2013 edition of the “Ultimate Indoor Race" debuts with 113 entries.

Among the list of Chili Bowl hopefuls includes 22 who have found their way into Saturday’s $10,000 to win event as well as a former champion with Tracy Hines (2005) behind the wheel of the Bob Parker / Spike / Toyota No. 24. Hines has a dozen A-Feature starts to his credit with an average finish of ninth.

With the days beginning to tick away, the early entry deadline for the Chili Bowl is December 15th. Entries post-marked before the deadline will be $150. Entries post-marked after the deadline will be $200.

The current entry count for the January 8-12, 2013 spectacular at the QuikTrip Center’s Tulsa Expo Raceway has yielded drivers from 25 states as well as entries from Australia and Canada. Of the states represented, the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals presented by General Tire’s home state of Oklahoma leads the charge with 19 entries with the “Golden State" of California sending 17. Always well represented, the state of Illinois completes the podium of states represented with 13.

The Rookie class, although some could hardly be called Rookies, currently stands at 18. Chief among the drivers looking to take on the tricky ¼ mile clay oval for the first time is 18 year racing veteran Robert Ballou. Scheduled to be behind the wheel of the Carl Sandy No. 16, Ballou spent the 2012 season chasing USAC National Sprint Car points behind the wheel of the MPHG Promotions No. 81. Ballou ultimately ended up tied for sixth.

Entry list to-date