Amid all the hype ahead of the 38th Tulsa Shootout (December 27-31) and 37th Chili Bowl Nationals (January 9-14), a rather surprising object is garnering some of the attention – it’s the big screen.

Located along the east end above turn one, the video-board has incidentally been in the perfect place for drivers to sneak a peek as they come out of turn four and head down the frontstretch. It’s quietly impacted the results of races inside the Tulsa Expo for years with it used as a mirror or spotter, if you will.

This indoor season, though, that won’t be the case. With the track build in full swing, the big screen will be placed in a new location above turn two near the Top Row Rowdies section.

“It’s here for the fans, not the drivers,” said Tulsa Shootout & Chili Bowl Director, Matt Ward, when the move was announced last year. “The complaining has ramped up recently, so we’re moving it and putting an end to that.”

A subtle relocation from one turn to the next, the move makes it much more difficult for drivers to decipher the big board while still leaving the screen available for fans throughout the building. This also allows the expansion of the screen to 450ft² so it will be easier for fans in the stands to see. The screen behind the stands will also be larger this year.

VIDEO: Kyle Larson discussed the advantage of the video board prior to last year's Chili Bowl. 

Last year, Kyle Larson publicly admitted the big screen was the reason he won his 2021 Golden Driller – saying Justin Grant would’ve driven by had he not had the board to defend his lead. Another Tulsa Shootout competitor noted “I watched the big screen every lap” while leading a crucial Qualifier.

However, you can throw that advantage away now. 

Fans unable to make it to the SageNet Center will be able to watch every lap of the Tulsa Shootout and Chili Bowl Nationals live on FloRacing. If you’re not already a FloRacing subscriber, click here to sign up today.