Whilst there was already significant NASCAR interest at next week's Chili Bowl, there is now even more after confirmation that Tony Stewart will be the Grand Marshal for the event.

Stewart is most well-known for the three Cup Series championships that he won in NASCAR, but he is also a former two-time Chili Bowl winner, having tasted victory in the prestigious midget racing event in 2002 and 2007.

Not only that, but alongside his two Golden Driller-winning outings, Stewart has a dozen championship A-Feature starts in which he achieved three podiums, four top fives, and seven top tens.

Chili Bowl's official statement elaborated further on why Stewart is the ideal candidate: "A driver and owner champion, Stewart owns titles in NASCAR, as well as 14 USAC owner titles, nine in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, and four in the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets Series, as well as wins in Sprint Car racing’s most prestigious events, including the Knoxville Nationals, 12 times. The owner of the famed Eldora Speedway since 2004, Stewart's cars have won the King's Royal on six occasions."

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Honoring Stewart means a lot to Chili Bowl

Speaking in the official announcement that confirmed the news, Chili Bowl co-founder Emmett Hahn admitted it meant a lot to be able to honor Stewart with the Grand Marshal role at this year's event.

“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans," Hahn explained.

"He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he's a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event.

"I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him."

When is the 2026 Chili Bowl and how can I watch?

The 2026 Chili Bowl is set to take place at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from January 12 through January 17.

Those who are unable to attend the event can catch all of the action live on FloRacing.

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