NASCAR driver Kyle Busch is gearing up to embark on an exhilarating new chapter in his celebrated racing career as he makes his foray into the electrifying world of midget car racing.
Widely hailed as a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, Busch has forged a partnership with FloSports, enabling him to make his much-anticipated debut in the prestigious Lucas Oil midget car category. He is set to compete in the illustrious 39th Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, which will unfold from January 13 to January 18, 2025, at the renowned SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This acclaimed event, often dubbed the ‘Super Bowl of midget racing,’ is known to attract an impressive lineup of over 300 competitors from various racing backgrounds.
Before officially kicking off his participation in the Chili Bowl, Busch will hone his skills and build experience in the midget car realm by participating in a series of USAC National Midget events. His upcoming schedule includes key appearances at Bakersfield Speedway on November 26 and Ventura Raceway on November 30, where he will get a first-hand taste of this dynamic racing format.
These races will provide him with the invaluable opportunity to adapt to the unique demands of midget car racing, a stark contrast to the high-speed, larger tracks of NASCAR. The United States Auto Club’s (USAC) National Midget series is celebrated for its fiercely competitive nature and esteemed reputation within the open-wheel racing community in the United States, and motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await to see what Busch will achieve during his time in this vibrant category.
Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 3CHI Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 09, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. NASCAR champion Kyle Busch is expanding his racing career by entering midget car racing. More Sean Gardner/Getty Images
The Chili Bowl Nationals is an event steeped in history, attracting elite drivers from diverse motorsport disciplines, including NASCAR luminaries such as Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell. With contagious enthusiasm, Kyle Busch joins these ranks, expressing, via NASCAR: “The Cup Season may be over, but the Racing season is still in full swing with the biggest events on dirt taking place over the next couple of months. The Chili Bowl is a legendary event and has always been on my wish-list. To be able to compete there, and then alongside my son Brexton at the Tulsa Shootout, is making this year one to remember.”
Significantly, Busch’s foray into midget racing coincides with the opportunity to share the track with his son, as they will compete side by side at the Tulsa Shootout, scheduled from December 31 to January 4.
Known for his exceptional versatility, the Las Vegas native has amassed a remarkable record across several NASCAR series, including the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. His strategic move into the midget racing scene is set to further challenge his driving prowess, as he aims to prove himself as a master across multiple disciplines.
With the high power-to-weight ratio characteristic of midget cars, these racing machines require a unique skill set, a challenge that Busch appears ready and eager to take on.
The Chili Bowl and various midget racing events will be streamed exclusively on FloRacing, providing access via platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and through the FloSports app on web and mobile devices.
How is Kyle Busch preparing for his debut at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals?
**Interview with Kyle Busch: Transitioning to Midget Car Racing**
*Editor:* Kyle, it’s exciting to see you make this transition into midget car racing! What prompted your decision to dive into this world after achieving great success in NASCAR?
*Kyle Busch:* Thank you! I’ve always had a passion for various forms of racing. Midget car racing has a rich history, and the challenge it presents intrigues me. I want to push my limits and expand my skill set, and there’s no better way to do that than by competing in such a competitive arena.
*Editor:* You’ve partnered with FloSports for your debut in the Lucas Oil midget car category. How does this partnership play into your racing strategy moving forward?
*Kyle Busch:* Partnering with FloSports is a fantastic opportunity for both me and the fans. It allows for wider coverage and access to my journey in midget racing. They’ve been great in helping promote the sport, and I want to show fans my growth and the excitement of this type of racing.
*Editor:* You’re set to make your debut at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in January. How are you preparing for such a prestigious event?
*Kyle Busch:* Preparation is key! Before the Chili Bowl, I’m focusing on my skills by competing in the USAC National Midget events in Bakersfield and Ventura. These races will help me adapt to the intricacies of midget racing, which is quite different from NASCAR, featuring tighter turns and a lot of creative driving.
*Editor:* What do you think will be the biggest challenge in transitioning from NASCAR to midget car racing?
*Kyle Busch:* The biggest challenge will be adjusting to the physical demands and the unique racing style of midget cars. The tracks are smaller, and the competition is fierce. It requires a new mindset and approach to driving, but that’s part of the thrill.
*Editor:* As a well-known figure in the racing community, what message do you hope to convey to fans who might be watching this new chapter unfold?
*Kyle Busch:* I hope to inspire fans that it’s never too late to explore new avenues and take on challenges, regardless of your accomplishments. Racing in midgets brings a different kind of excitement, and I’m thrilled to share this journey with all of them.
*Editor:* Best of luck in your upcoming races, Kyle! We can’t wait to see how you do in January!
*Kyle Busch:* Thank you! I appreciate it and look forward to the competition ahead!
