KOFOID WINS CHILI BOWL PRELIMINARY

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid had himself a day and night to remember Tuesday at the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals.

The 2021 USAC National Midget Series Champion began the day making repairs to his number 67 Keith Kunz Motorsports Midget. 

He ended the night by beating NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle Larson, while also sprinkling in the all-time track record at the Tulsa Expo Center in between.

Kofoid’s win on Tuesday night ended a streak of four straight Tuesday night preliminary night victories for Larson.

Larson, who started the race from the pole position after a sixth to second run in his heat and sixth to first run in his qualifier, led the opening 24 laps of the 30-lap main event. However, a late caution with six laps to go opened the door for Kofoid to make his move.

Michael took full advantage by ripping the top side of the race track and driving around Larson to take the lead. Larson made multiple attempts to get back by Kofoid in the closing laps before slipping up in turn four with three laps remaining. 

Larson fell back to third after his slip-up allowed Chris Windom to move by him. On the final lap, Larson threw a slider on Windom in turn one to take back the runner-up position and a guaranteed starting spot in Saturday’s A-Main. 

Windom settled for third, while Jake Swanson finished fourth after a hard charge from his 11th starting spot.

Thomas Meseraull powered through the field from the 13th position to finish fifth.