Emerson Axsom secured his first Chili Bowl preliminary A-Feature victory during Wednesday's York Plumbing Qualifying Night at the 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals. Taking the lead on Lap 4, Axsom maintained his position throughout the race, becoming the 55th different preliminary night winner in event history.

After two initial start attempts, Axsom capitalized on a double-file restart to overtake pole-sitter Daison Pursley. Despite Pursley's late-race charge, Axsom crossed the finish line with a 0.343-second lead. Corey Day finished third after starting eighth, followed by Tim Buckwalter in fourth and Kale Drake, who advanced from ninth to fifth.

The event drew 73 drivers, bringing the total competing entries to 213. Racing continues Thursday, January 16, 2025, with Hasty-Bake Qualifying Night starting at 4:00 P.M. (CT) for Hot Laps, followed by racing at 5:00 P.M.

General Admission tickets are available at the event for $60 per weekday and $75 on Saturday, including pit access. The 39th annual Chili Bowl Nationals runs January 13-18, 2025, at the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Race Results:

1. Emerson Axsom
2. Daison Pursley
3. Corey Day
4. Tim Buckwalter
5. Kale Drake

Lap Leaders:

• Daison Pursley: Laps 1-3
• Emerson Axsom: Laps 4-30

Hard Charger: Blake Hahn (+13 positions)

PHOTO by Michael Fry

[Detailed heat race and qualifier results follow as in original, maintaining exact format and information]

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