Dirt racing and the Chili Bowl Nationals have become popular off-season activities for NASCAR drivers. Two-time champion Kyle Larson and newcomer Kyle Busch have already confirmed their participation in the prestigious midget racing event. With Joe Gibbs Racing lifting its ban on drivers competing in dirt races, more NASCAR stars could join the lineup.
One potential addition is 2025 Cup Series rookie Shane van Gisbergen (SVG), a versatile racer known for enjoying sprint car racing during his off-season. SVG is expected to spend time in his native New Zealand for a busy sprint car schedule, which could see him competing against Kyle Larson.
Larson and SVG previously delivered thrilling action during the Xfinity Series race in Chicago, where Larson edged out the Kiwi driver in an intense road racing battle. SVG praised Larson’s racecraft, and the two showed healthy competition. Fans can expect more head-to-head battles when SVG joins Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series.
There’s also a chance their rivalry could continue on dirt tracks. Larson is set to race in the Kubota High Limit international event in Perth, Australia, from December 28–30, while SVG has scheduled seven sprint car races in New Zealand, wrapping up on January 4. This timeline potentially allows SVG to participate in the Chili Bowl Nationals, the “Super Bowl” of midget car racing. While SVG hasn’t officially added the Chili Bowl to his calendar, it could align with his off-season plans.
However, SVG has expressed reservations about competing in midget cars. Despite having experience in them earlier in his career, he now favors sprint cars. At over six feet tall, he finds midget cars challenging to fit into, as demonstrated by Kyle Busch’s struggles to get inside one. Additionally, SVG has safety concerns about midget cars, stating, “I felt safe in a sprint car and in control. In a midget, you’re always on edge and close to a big crash. It’s an awesome but daunting feeling.”
While SVG remains hesitant, fans are still hopeful he might reconsider and race at the Chili Bowl. Even if he opts out, the event promises a stacked lineup of NASCAR Cup drivers vying for glory at the SageNet Center.
