Dustin Hapka has raced super stocks and late models his entire career. But he's looking forward to a change this week in Tulsa, Okla., where the Grand Forks driver will compete in the 25th annual Chili Bowl Nationals -- the Super Bowl of Midget racing.
The event is held indoors at the Tulsa Expo Raceway, a quarter-mile clay oval that occupies the lower level of the QT Center.
"This is something I've always wanted to do since I started racing," Hapka said.
Hapka will drive for Kansas City car owner Chad Frewaldt.
The Chili Bowl Nationals attracts drivers from around the country. The drivers come from various circuits -- NASCAR, the World of Outlaws and USAC. Tony Stewart is a past winner; Kevin Swindell, who raced at River Cities Speedway a couple of years ago, won last year's event.
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The Chili Bowl Nationals will begin with qualifying on Tuesday. Hapka, driving the 4r Midget, will qualify Friday.
"Every year, I look at sprint and midget stuff for rental, but it's pretty spendy," Hapka said. "He (Frewaldt) was looking for a driver and talked to a bunch of people. And he wanted me to do it. His team is very experienced. He has a crew chief and a crew for me."
He did get some quick advice from Frewaldt, who will drive his car in the Nationals. "He said the Midget drives more like a stock car than sprint."
Hapka has talked to other drivers about the Chili Bowl as well. Tim McCreadie, who raced with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series at RCS, also has competed in the Chili Bowl.
"When I talked to Tim, he said it's basically a glorified go-kart race on steroids," Hapka said.
Approximately 250 drivers will compete this week in Tulsa. Saturday night's feature winner, which will attract a crowd of around 10,000 fans, will take home $50,000.
Hapka said he again plans to race his late model this season but won't follow any one circuit.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
