Is Sam a Champ?
 

Is Slammin Sammy a Champion? Apparently not to the race organizers at the Chili Bowl. The entrants for the Race of Champions on Tuesday in Tulsa are in and Swindell is not. In spite of the fact he’s a current entrant for the Race, has won it 5 times, he apparently doesn’t meet the criteria set for the race. Meanwhile Zach Daum and Daryn Pittman are in while never having won a main in the building. Kinda have to ask yourself “what the heck are they thinking?”

It appears that they are rewarding recent success only for this glorified trophy dash! About as exciting as the "Kele World Challenge" they used to have at Knoxville!

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

“what the heck are they thinking?” ????? :18:
Do you know if he was invited? maybe he turned it down??? :11:

The Chili Bowl had a problem when they allowed 30+ years of drivers and car owners that had won the Chili Bowl to enter the Race of Champions. You had drivers that never won the Chili Bowl driving for car owners that were deceased, and Chili Bowl champion car owners using drivers that were not champions of the Chili Bowl or any other organization.

I believe Donnie Schatz was allowed to run the Race of Champions his rookie year at the Chili Bowl driving a Clauson-Marshall Racing entry even though CMR never won the Chili Bowl (Bryan won in the Dooling/Kunz 63).

The Chili Bowl now has a system that rewards champions (World of Outlaws, ASCS, All Star Sprints, USAC sprints & midgets, and POWRi midgets), the top 3 finishers in the last 5 Chili Bowls, the top 2 finishers in the last 5 Race of Champions, and the preliminary night winners from the previous Chili Bowl.

This seems like a much more fair system to me that represents “champion” drivers.

Well pretty sure Sam wasn’t invited. Saw a good amount of banter on Twitter which Sammy himself chimed in on. So the Swindell family has 9 Drillers I believe. I just watched a replay the other day of the second annual and Sammy was there. Pretty sure that Swindell is a World of Outlaws Champ and I would think has raced as many Chili Bowls as anyone else there. Kevin is on the broadcast and I might be wrong but I thought I heard him comment on the omission. Sandy I get what you’re saying but it isn’t right. Change the name to the “Invitational “ but a Chili Bowl race of Champions without Sammy just doesn’t live up to the name

It is now an unnecessary race. I believe it originated on the first Tuesday night Rookie Night. They used it to draw interest for the added night. With all qualifying nights being equal this seems like fluff.

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

Three times. 1981, 1982 & 1997.

But that was last century.

https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcar...ear-1978-2019/

1983 Knoxville Nationals Champion.

1992, 1999, 2012 Kings Royal Champion.

1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, & 2009 Chili Bowl Champion.

Naw..... None of that that brings clout to the table.

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

this has been lit up on tweeter for a few weeks. you Cannot have a race-of-Champions at the Chili Bowl without Sammy. Pretty bad decision by someone in Tulsa :7:

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

Sam who? :5:

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

what have you done lately

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

I never cared for Sammy, but I respected his driving, but questioned that at times. I remember a interview with Kinser and another one with Wolfgang where both said basicaly samething Sammy will try to pass you for a lap and if that don"t work he"ll just knock you out of his way, and if it crashes you both its your fault.

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

OK, you're following your system, but (A) most fans, myself included, would like to see him (B)5 time CB winner would seem to be as "Champion" as anyone could be :9:

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

Common sense says you need to have a format and criteria but maybe it should be extended to allow the driver with the most Chili Bowl wins that is still active into the field if he does not make it with the other criteria. To me this is a sign of honor or respect to a driver and what is one more starting spot. Just my opinion.

Bruce Eckel :6:

Daniel Robinson thought Sammy was #1 the other night :D:D:D

Re: Is Sam a Champ?
 

Best part of week so far!

The Chili Bowl, " Race of Champions," needs to stay reserved for "Past Chili Bowl Champions!" That means Saturday Night Winners ONLY!! If the race has 2 cars or 7 or 8 cars, then so be it!! Put some actual $$ up to WIN it, too!!

If we are being honest, for the big time Sponsorships & TV Coverage of the Chili Bowl, the Purse has NOT increased to support this!! I realize it costs plenty to put the race on, but you can't tell me that substantial $$$ aren't being made year after year, but definitely NOT given back to the Teams & Racers.

Re: Is Sam a Champ?