If you were looking for a Cup Series race on TV last night, you probably realized the schedule is still in that weird winter lull. The big heavy hitters like the Daytona 500 are still weeks away. But for the "real" race fans—the ones who don't care if the car has fenders or if the track is paved—last night was all about the dirt in Tulsa.
The York Plumbing Qualifying Night at the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals took place Wednesday, January 14, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of chaos we've come to expect from the SageNet Center.
While the official NASCAR Cup Series season hasn't started yet, the headlines are being dominated by the guys who usually steer those 3,400-pound stock cars. We're talking about Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. They aren't just participating; they are basically the kings of this building right now.
The Wednesday Night Winner: Ethan Dotson Dominates
While everyone is busy talking about the NASCAR guys, Ethan Dotson stole the show last night.
Dotson took the win in the Wednesday night preliminary feature, punching his ticket straight to Saturday’s main event. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. He had to fend off some serious heat, but by the time the checkered flag waved, he had gapped the field.
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If you aren't familiar with the Chili Bowl format, basically, winning your qualifying night is the only way to breathe easy. If you don't win or finish on the podium, you’re relegated to the "alphabet soup" on Saturday, where you might have to race through five different features just to make the big show. Dotson doesn't have to worry about that now.
Why the NASCAR Guys Are Everywhere
It's kinda funny how many Cup drivers spend their "off-season" racing more than they do during the actual season.
- Kyle Larson: He already won his preliminary night on Monday. He looked untouchable, which is basically his brand at this point.
- Christopher Bell: He didn't just win; he dominated the Race of Champions (RoC) on Monday night as well.
- Ty Gibbs: He struggled a bit in the Tuesday night feature, finishing 14th, which means he's got a long Saturday ahead of him.
The field is stacked. We’ve seen Jesse Love and Sheldon Creed getting into the mix too. Creed actually had a solid run in his B-Main to make the Tuesday A-Main, which is impressive given how technical these midget cars are compared to a Xfinity or Truck Series ride.
What This Means for the 2026 NASCAR Season
You might be wondering why a dirt race in Oklahoma matters for the 2026 NASCAR season. Well, besides the bragging rights, it's the first time we're seeing these drivers under the new 2026 "Chase" format mentality.
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NASCAR just announced they are bringing back a modified version of The Chase. They are ditching the "win-and-you're-in" style that everyone’s been complaining about for years. Instead, it's going back to rewarding full-season consistency.
Winning a race now nets you 55 points—a 15-point jump from last year. It’s a huge deal. Watching Larson and Bell treat the Chili Bowl like it’s the last lap of the season tells you everything you need to know about their competitive headspace heading into February. They are hungry.
The Schedule Ahead
If you’re itching for the asphalt, we’re close.
- Hasty Bake Qualifying Night (Tonight): More dirt action in Tulsa.
- Chili Bowl Championship Saturday: The "Golden Driller" trophy is on the line.
- The Clash at Bowman Gray (Feb 8): This is the first official time we'll see the Cup cars.
- Daytona 500: The big one.
Honestly, the transition to Bowman Gray for the Clash is going to be wild. It's a tiny 0.25-mile track. After a week of sliding around on dirt in Tulsa, drivers like Larson are going to have a massive advantage in those tight corners.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you missed the action last night, you can still catch the replays on FloRacing. They’ve been streaming the whole week.
Keep an eye on the results for Thursday and Friday night. We still have a lot of big names left to qualify. If a guy like Christopher Bell or Kyle Larson wins the Saturday finale, they’ll be carrying a mountain of momentum into Daytona.
Check the entry lists for the remaining qualifying nights. You’ll see plenty of names from the ARCA and Regional series trying to make a name for themselves. Sometimes the best racing isn't at the front of the pack, but in the middle of a C-Main where guys are desperate to keep their week alive.
Get your Daytona 500 tickets now if you haven't. With the 2026 rules changes and the return of brands like RAM to the Truck Series, this year is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in a decade.