1/24/2025
Chili Bowl Nationals
Technical Report Continued: 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink
Random Tire Samples were collected throughout the 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink and sent for testing. Results returned so far have confirmed that a sample collected during Friday’s event did not conform to benchmark. This brings the total to three drivers during the 2025 event.
Chemical alteration of tires is prohibited in Chili Bowl competition.
Drivers were told during Thursday’s Driver’s Meeting by Technical Director Cody Cordell that if results were returned during the event, they would not be racing Saturday of the 2025 Chili Bowl. Any results received post 2025 event, would result in the offending drivers not being allowed to compete in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals.
With the results from Friday’s test in hand, it was found that the tire sample collected from Sam Johnson's left rear tire following his second-place finish in the eighth heat race did not conform to benchmark.
Sam was made aware of the results, acknowledged and did not dispute the findings of the test. More samples are being tested. Findings will be reported once provided to the Chili Bowl Nationals.
All samples were taken in the designated Tech Area as soon as the race was completed. Samples were taken using the respective team’s tire groover and witnessed by team members. All samples were placed into a vile and then put into a numbered evidence bag. Each sample, including the date it was taken, race competed in, tire compound, tire serial number, evidence bag number, official’s initials, and a team representative’s signature.
Samples were overnighted to Blue Ridge Race Lab, LLC, located in Lenoir, NC. Samples were checked in duplicate for verification of findings.
For continued updates on the Chili Bowl Nationals, fans can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with @CBNationals. All official press, updates, and results on the Chili Bowl Nationals can be found online at http://www.chilibowl.com.
Submitted By: Bryan Hulbert
