Leffler Looking to Fill Trophy Case with Chili Bowl Trophy

Jason Leffler

MOORESVILLE, NC (January 2, 2007) - Jason Leffler, the three-time Midget National Champion in 1997-1999, has captured victories in almost every prestigious midget event over the years with the exception of one – the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals. Coined the Superbowl of midget racing, the Chili Bowl is the one victory that Leffler has yet to capture but he will set out to change that once again in this year’s 21st edition of the event, held January 11-13, 2007 at the Tulsa Expo Raceway.

Leffler, who now drives full time in the NASCAR Busch Series for Braun Racing driving the No. 38 Great Clips Toyota, has posted victories in almost every elite national midget race over the last decade including wins at the Belleville Nationals and Hut 100 (both in 1997), the Copper Classic (1999), the Night Before the 500 (2002) and two Turkey Night events (1999 and 2005). Leffler’s illustrious USAC career boasts over 40 midget feature wins and six Silver Crown victories. In 1998, he captured the USAC Silver Crown Championship and in 1999, he went down in the record books by becoming only the third driver in history to claim three consecutive Midget National Championships.

Despite his successes, Leffler still hungers for a victory in midget racing's biggest event. This year will mark his 10th year running in the event since 1995. His best finish came in 1998 when he finished second. Other top finishes include a 5th place in 2004 and 9th in 2000. Leffler is slated for the Thursday night qualifying round, when he will make a bid for a top-four finishing position to lock himself into the Saturday night Chili Bowl Championship feature event. He will drive under his own banner, Leffler Racing, with sponsorship from Team ASE.

“The Chili Bowl is one of the greatest spectacles in racing,” said Leffler. “You have over 250 midgets show up to competing over four days for 24 spots in the A Main feature with one prize. Where else are you going to see something like that? It’s really a sight to see with the midgets, the drivers and crews and 10,000 fans all under one roof. If you love racing, The Chili Bowl is something you should experience at least once in your lifetime.”

“For current and former midget racers, the Chili Bowl is THE race you want to win,” added Leffler. “For me, it’s something I have strived for since I first started racing. You are competing against some of the best drivers from all different series of racing, so to win really sets you apart from everybody else. If I can round out my midget career with a win at the Chili Bowl it would really be something to be proud of.”