Kevin and Sammy Swindell, pictured on the podium at the 2010 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, have racked up a combined seven Chili Bowl titles. Photo by STLRacing.com.
Kevin Swindell made history at the 2011 Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals by winning his second consecutive title – but he had to beat his own dad to do it. Kevin’s repeat win came only after holding off a final-lap charge from his father and five-time Chili Bowl champion Sammy. When the dust settled on the 50-lap main event, the two Swindells were joined by New Zealander Michael Pickens, who overcame trouble early in the event to make a hard-charging comeback; Oklahoman Jonathan Beason; and Bryan Clauson, who led the race’s first 12 laps.
Kevin’s victory marks the seventh time in the Chili Bowl’s 25-year history that a Swindell has stood in victory lane. None of Sammy’s five wins were consecutive, however. In any case, it was only fitting that the family with the most Chili Bowl Nationals wins would take home trophies from its Silver Anniversary event.
A 2006 Houston High School graduate, Kevin began racing karts at age five – before he could ride a bicycle. Over the years, he has racked up nearly 80 wins in Sprints, Midgets, Mini-Sprints, Karts, Quarter Midgets and Road Race Karts and landed “Rookie of the Year” props in two classes from the National Sprint Car Poll. Dad Sammy started racing at age 17, winning 11 feature events in his rookie year and going on to become one of the most recognized names in American motorsports.
E3 Spark Plugs congratulates Kevin, Sammy and all the winners on the tracks at this year’s Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals. Visit the Chili Bowl website for full results of the week-long event. And be sure to pick up a set of E3 performance spark plugs before you next hit the tracks, roadways or off-road terrain.
