Chili’s signs deal to sponsor FloRacing coverage of Chili Bowl Nationals

The Chili Bowl Nationals just got a lot more Chili-er. FloRacing has signed a deal with Chili’s to partner on broadcast coverage of the event. 2026 will be the 40th edition of the Chili Bowl, and there will be plenty of big names to watch and great races to see.

It is still the Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink. However, FloRacing, the exclusive broadcast provider of the Chili Bowl, has signed a deal with the Bar & Grill that is so aptly fitting of this dirt race.

Chili’s is serving as the official sponsor of the live pre-show. Each day, a new NASCAR star will be a special guest each day of the Chili Bowl Nationals. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Carson Hocevar, Tony Stewart, and Chase Briscoe are all going to be on the show throughout the week. Chili’s will sponsor the post-show as well as a new series on Flo called “Chili’s Road to Chili Bowl.”

There is going to be a lot of Chili’s influence in the event. I love seeing the NASCAR stars getting involved. Of course, Larson, Bell, and Stewart are not so much NASCAR stars as they are multi-time Chili Bowl Nationals champions, but I digress. A lot of dirt racing knowledge in that lineup, including Chase Briscoe. Then you have Carson Hocevar, the young and wild Cup Series driver. He has some dirt racing experience, just ran the Gateway Nationals in a late model.

Spire Motorsports is definitely the one to thank/blame for this Chili’s sponsorship around the Chili Bowl. They have recently expanded into the High Limit Racing series with Gio Scelzi for 2026. He is also competing in the Chili Bowl. Chili’s is taking this Spire deal and using it to become a premier partner, not just in NASCAR, but in dirt racing as well. It’s exciting to see a brand like this take racing so seriously.

Chili Bowl Nationals featuring NASCAR talent

If Chili’s is serious about racing like it appears they are, that’s good for all motorsports. Who cares if they want to spend some money in NASCAR and in dirt racing. It’s good for everyone.

For instance, Kyle Larson is heavily involved in dirt and NASCAR racing, duh. His High Limit Racing series is becoming a major player against the World of Outlaws. Larson’s talent speaks for itself, as he wins races and championships on both dirt and pavement with regularity. I’d say that his popularity and success as a driver is because of, not in spite of, his overall dedication to motorsports and racing.

The Chili Bowl Nationals is an event that should have so much more mainstream attention. It is a brutal journey for many of these teams and drivers. To go through the alphabet soup and come out on top in the A-Main, that’s the dream of all those who come to Tulsa for this event.

Chili’s is seizing on a moment of growth in motorsports. Believe it or not, that is something that is happening.

“Live sports moments have been key to us reaching passionate fanbases, and that’s what initially drew us to motorsports,” said Tim Forman, Chili’s Director of Media, in a statement. “We continue to show up in unexpected ways with Spire Motorsports, and in that spirit, we’re excited to join both Spire and FloRacing at the iconic Chili Bowl Nationals. We couldn’t think of a better event for Chili’s than the Chili Bowl Nationals and we’re excited to partner with Flo to bring more content to race fans across the country.”