23rd Tulsa Shootout Draws Thousands Of Racers

The Tulsa Shootout, the race event often called the 'Prelude to the Chili Bowl,' wrapped up on Sunday evening at the Tulsa Expo Raceway.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports even though the big event, the Chili Bowl, doesn't get underway for another week and a half, racers taking part in the 23rd Annual Tulsa Shootout say they should not be overlooked.

On Sunday evening, The Quik Trip Center hosted pint-sized racers trying to prove themselves.  Several thousand spectators showed up to watch the best of more than a thousand entries compete in the finals.  The Tulsa Shootout featured entrants from 25 states, competing in 24 different classes.  It's an event that organizers say has continued to grow each year, but one that has remained family-oriented.

"The kids have down time, and you'll see people that have couches, they set up tents.  It's just a great fun thing, it's fun for families," said Donna Harris.

The shootout is also a family tradition for many local racers.  The Hahns are third-generation participants.

"I race, my dad raced, they race, we've got another grandson, he's 23 and also racing out here this weekend.  We just enjoy racing, it's been good for us," said Tommy Hahn.

The Hahns, as well as other young racers, say they view the Shootout as a proving ground for bigger and better things.  So spectators may have gotten a glimpse of a future star.  Many of the kids hope to compete in the Chili Bowl, and then eventually move up to the big leagues.

"I want to get into midgets and sprint cars, then hopefully from there to get into NASCAR," said Brandon Hahn.  "I hope to go to NASCAR someday; it's my goal, NASCAR one day."

Most of the kids racing in the Shootout are actually too young to take part in The Chili Bowl.  You have to be at least 15-years-old to race in that event.

Qualifying for the 22nd Annual Chili Bowl gets underway on Tuesday, January 8th.