Drivers Prepare For Day 2 Of The Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals

One of the premiere dirt-track races in the world is back for the 36th year in Tulsa.

The Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals gives a big boost to the city's economy every January.

January 11 is Day 2 of the races at the Tulsa Fairgrounds.

Close to 400 drivers from 38 states and five countries will race on the quarter-mile track throughout the week. The drivers will be competing for the Golden Driller Trophy.

Chili Bowl Announcer and Publicist, Bryan Hulbert said this race is unique because competitors range from NASCAR champions, to local dirt-track heroes.

This year, drivers younger than 16 can compete, all the way to experienced veterans.

Hulbert said during warm-ups, drivers were getting around the track in 10.7 seconds.

Mitchel Moles came from Fresno, California and competed last night in the Qualifiers.

Moles has been racing for 10 years and it's his third time at the Chili Bowl.

"It's just a different pace. Everybody seems to have a little different attitude about this and it's kind of cool to see everybody, all the racers from everywhere come together,” Moles said.

"It's all about raw competition. It's the raw emotion of the sport, it's the proving grounds so to say of every facet of this industry,” Hulbert said. "You have the professional drivers, you have the guys who are at the top of that sport, but they're also racing against the guys and the kids these days that are just starting."

Races start January 11, at 5 p.m. and each day for the rest of the week.

The big championship starts on January 16.

There are still pit passes on sale if you want to watch in person.