In my column in last year’s NSSN previewing the Chili Bowl, I wrote why it is one of America’s biggest and most important races to win.
This year will mark my 19th Chili Bowl in 22 runnings of the event. I’ve participated at the event over the years as a car owner, team mechanic, announcer and writer.
My column this year will be Chili Bowl 101, taking a quick look back at some memorable moments, and pointing out some unique aspects of this one-of-a-kind auto-racing event.  
A record 285 entries are slated to compete. The drivers and teams have different goals, some want to just make the field; others want to win an alphabet feature on Saturday. It is impossible to predict a winner before racing begins. However, only about 10 percent of the driver/owner combinations have a realistic shot of winning the Golden Driller Trophy.
Remember: a 15th place in Saturday’s second D Feature means you finished 100th overall.
Chili Bowl tip one: Expect the unexpected, a lot of veterans and rookies have let victories slip through their fingers by making surprising late-race mistakes. What often looks like a sure-win turns into heartbreak for a driver.
Chili Bowl tip two: Don’t try to keep track of the flips, there are too many. 
Chili Bowl tip three: Don’t miss the heat races on preliminary nights, they produce the best and most intense racing of the week.   
Chili Bowl tip four: Get to the track early at least one day and walk around the pits for a few hours; you can meet and talk with 95 percent of the drivers in a relaxed casual atmosphere.
Chili Bowl tip five: For fans over 21, a visit to the Elephant Run Bar inside the Best Western Trade Winds is a must.
Chili Bowl tip six: Go through the trade show and stop by the NSSN booth, meet the staff and renew your subscription.
Two best Chili Bowl finishes: 2003 — Dan Boorse passed Tony Stewart with two laps remaining, and chased down Jay Drake leading the final 100 yards to score the victory. 2002 — Tony Stewart passed Kevin Doty on the final lap for the win.
Best Chili Bowl Charge: 1995 — Donnie Beechler from 16th to win.
Toughest Chili Bowl Top 10: 2004 — 1. Cory Kruseman, 2. Danny Lasoski, 3. J.J.Yeley,  4. Stewart, 5. Jason Leffler, 6. Boorse, 7. Danny Stratton, 8. Davey Ray, 9. Tracy Hines, 10. Dave Darland.
Biggest upset victory: 2006 — Tim McCreadie.
Best Chili Bowl-only technology: Left-front motorcycle wheel and tire on the Bondio No. 47.
Favorite Chili Bowl quotes: “It doesn’t matter if you’re a midget, sprint-car or stock-car driver, everyone competing at the Chili Bowl that week are just plain race-car drivers,” two-time winner Dan Boorse.
“Two hundred twenty-two other drivers would be happy to run second in this race, but it’s tough to lose this race on the last lap,” 2001 winner Jay Drake after finishing second in the 2003 race.
“The best race of the year for me,” defending winner Tony Stewart.
Chili Bowl facts: No driver has won the event two years in a row…Tony Stewart is the only driver of the 285 entered guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s feature. Ifhe fails to transfer through his events he will use the champions provisional and start last.