Drivers As Young As 13 Compete In Chili Bowl Nationals

For the first time, the Chili Bowl Nationals are allowing drivers under the age of 16 to compete in the "midget car race."

The drivers are hardly green when it comes to racing. In some cases, racers said they're better than the competition years older than them.

Every lap drivers passed brings 15-year-old Ryan Timms and 13-year-old Brent Crews one step closer to their own races.

“Every driver here is under a lot of scrutiny but probably them more than some," said Chili Bowl National's publicist and announcer, Bryan Hulbert.

Hulbert said the two teens are part of a small group of young racers who have already built legacies.

“Ryan Timms is one of the youngest winners, if not the youngest winner in USAC national midget history," Hulbert said. “You got Brent Crews who’s winning Power I at the age of 13.”

Their skills helped steer the Chili Bowl Nationals in a new direction and let drivers as young as 13 race in the coveted midget car category.

“That’s something that we looked at and realized we’ve basically told the best drivers in the sport right now they can’t compete on the biggest stage in their sport," Hulbert said.

This year's changes are considered a trial run. If things go well for the younger racers this year, it could continue into the future.