Kyle Busch shares the ‘biggest reason’ why he’s changed his mind about running in the Chili Bowl

Kyle Busch is all ready for his debut in next year's Chili Bowl Nationals, set to take place in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the United States. Chili Bowl is an indoor midget car race that takes place in January every year on a 0.25-mile (0.32 km) track. Although Busch never entertained racing in this segment of dirt racing, he changed his mind for the "biggest" reason.

Busch, a two-time Cup Series champion, has never taken part in this discipline of racing, despite NASCAR calling it the biggest midget racing of the year. Furthermore, the race's popularity earned its nickname — the Super Bowl of Midget Racing.

As per reports, Busch will drive the Lucas Oil / FloRacing No. 51 car in the race that will take place from January 13 to 18 next year. Even though he is set to take part in two other events prior to the Chili Bowl, he already seemed excited for the latter event.

Speaking about his debut, and the biggest reason why he changed his mind, he stated:

"I would say that the biggest reason why I've changed my mind now is just having more experience of being on the dirt. Knowing a little bit more of what to expect being on the dirt." (0:43)

He added (via NASCAR):

"The Cup Series season may be over, but the Racing season is still in full swing with the biggest events on dirt taking place over the next couple of months.

"The Chili Bowl is a legendary event and has always been on my wish-list. To be able to compete there, and then alongside my son Brexton at the Tulsa Shootout, is making this year one to remember."

Following his announcement, he received a surprising reaction from his son, Brexton Busch. The latter was taken aback by his father's decision to run in the dirt racing. Fans can enjoy Kyle Busch racing in the dirt and show his mettle exclusively on FloRacing.

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Kyle Busch summed up his 2024 Cup Series season

NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Busch (8) during practice for the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn Images

Kyle Busch had an underwhelming 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. The Richard Childress driver failed to register a victory and as a result, could not qualify for playoffs. As the season concluded at Phoenix, the two-time Cup Series summed up his year and shared via his official X account:

"Arguably the toughest year of my career. Full of trials, n heartbreaks. I know my RCR guys r gonna get after it this winter n we’ll come back stronger nxt season. Grateful for all of our partners, helping us do what we love. Thx Rowdy Nation for sticking w me. Y’all r the best."

Busch ended his 2024 season in 20th place with 766 points after 36 races. He claimed a stage win, five Top 5s, 10 Top 10s, and faced five DNFs. He led a total of 229 laps in 2024, and had an average start position of 16.917, compared to an average finish position of 18.306.