By LONNIE WHEATLEY

ASCS

TULSA, Okla. (December 21, 2009) - Less than a week ago, the floor of the QuikTrip Center was bare. Now, several hundreds of loads of clay and a few feverish days of work later, a racetrack occupies that previously empty space.

Aside from a few assorted odds and ends, the º-mile Tulsa Expo Raceway clay oval at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds QuikTrip Center is race-ready, with the 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals set to kick off in just three weeks.

Thus far, 249 entries from 27 different states as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand have been submitted for the event, which is set for January 12-16, 2010.

After initial preparations, the first loads of clay were hauled into the QuikTrip Center last Tuesday, December 15. With favorable weather conditions, all the clay was hauled into the building in just a couple of day's time with the track close to completion over the weekend.

"The dirt came in as well as it ever has," commented event co-promoter Emmett Hahn. "This could be the best racetrack we've had in some time."

The Tulsa Expo Raceway clay will get put to the test once prior to the Chili Bowl with the 25th Annual Tulsa Shootout on December 31, January 1 and January 2. The Tulsa Shootout features a mix of Micro Sprint Cars, Karts and Quads, with approximately 800 entries submitted thus far.

Kevin Bayer, Gary Taylor and Riley Adair, all of whom scored Tulsa Shootout triumphs in the Micro ranks last year, are among those slated to compete in both upcoming events.

Adair, who bested the Non-Wing Micro Sprint Car ranks at last year's Tulsa Shootout, is among the Chili Bowl rookie crop that currently stands at 40 contenders.

Taylor, who topped the "A" Class Micro Sprints at last year's Tulsa Shootout, teams with 2006 Chili Bowl champion car owner Steve Smith in his bid for a second consecutive Chili Bowl championship main event start.

Also among the latest entries is 1988 Chili Bowl champion Scott Hatton, bringing the number of past winners entered in this year's event to seven. Other past winners include five-time and defending Chili Bowl king Sammy Swindell, two-time winner Cory Kruseman, Tim McCreadie, Tracy Hines, Jay Drake and Johnny Heydenreich.

The current list of entries for the 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals is available at www.chilibowl.com/2010chilibowlentries.asp.Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Quick Facts:

What: 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals

Where: Tulsa Expo Raceway - º-mile clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds

When:January 12-16, 2010

Tuesday - Warren CAT Qualifying Night plus Vacuworx Chili Bowl Race of Champions

Wednesday - River Spirit Casino Qualifying Night

Thursday - Bully Dog Qualifying Night

Friday - E3 Spark Plugs Qualifying Night

Saturday - Rockstar Energy Drink Championship Feature Events

Past Winners: Sammy Swindell (2009, 1998, 1996, 1992 and 1989), Damion Gardner (2008), Tony Stewart (2007 and 2002), Tim McCreadie (2006), Tracy Hines (2005), Cory Kruseman (2004 and 2000), Dan Boorse (2003 and 1999), Jay Drake (2001), Billy Boat (1997), Donnie Beechler (1995), Andy Hillenburg (1994), Dave Blaney (1993), Lealand McSpadden (1991), Jon Heydenreich (1990), Scott Hatton (1988), Rich Vogler (1987).

Trade Show: Always a popular attraction at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is the Trade Show, which is open to the public each day (Tuesday through Saturday) free of charge. All variety of racing products, apparel and more is available with well over 100 different vendors. The Trade Show covers approximately 20,000 square feet.Tickets: Four-night tickets for Wednesday through Saturday of the 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals were depleted by the end of May. A limited number of reserved seats for Tuesday night's Warren CAT Qualifying Event and the Second Annual Vacuworx International Chili Bowl Race of Champions are available for $26 per person and may be obtained by calling 918-838-3777 or at the gate. Pit passes for all five nights are available at the gate as well.

Chili Bowl on TV: Portions of the 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals will be broadcast on SPEED TV on a tape-delayed basis.

Chili Bowl on the Net: All official news pertaining to the 24th Annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, including official entry lists, race results and recaps, is available first at www.chilibowl.com. Also, all five nights of the Chili Bowl Nationals will be broadcast live (audio) on www.racinboys.com.

Additional information regarding the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is available at http://www.chilibowl.com/ or by calling 918-838-3777.