TSR PR, TULSA, Okla. (January 8, 2008) – Little more than a couple of weeks ago, Travis Rilat had no solid plans regarding competing in this week's 22^nd Annual Dodge Chili Bowl Midget Nationals atop the ¼-mile Tulsa Expo Raceway clay oval inside the QuikTrip Center.

But some friends of his had other ideas.  And as is often the case in the racing world, plans can change in short order.

The end result, the 2003 American Sprint Car Series National champion hailing from Forney, TX, is now slated to take on the best in the business aboard one of the potent Keith Kunz Motorsports entries as he competes in his first Chili Bowl since 2003.

"I really wasn't planning on racing in the Chili Bowl this year, but then several friends and associates got together and said we needed to do it," Rilat explains.  "But we all agreed that we only wanted to do it with a top tier team, a team that would give us a chance to win the Chili Bowl."

"So we started our search and it wasn't long before we were talking with Keith Kunz and Pete Willoughby at Keith Kunz Motorsports.  We were able to put everything together and now we're teamed up with the top Midget team in the country for the biggest racing event of the year."

Busily preparing for his assault on the 2008 O'Reilly ASCoT National title, Rilat is thankful for the assistance of the sponsors that have stepped forward to make his pursuit of the Golden Driller in this week's Chili Bowl a reality.

It's a list that includes Minks Motorsports, Lamar Skarda Kwik Car Wash, Danny Sander Construction, American Drug Testing Services, Mesilla Valley Trucking, Miller's Machine & Welding, T-N-T Custom Golf Carts, Jim and Janet Zrucky and Jeff Lutz.

"Without all their help and encouragement, this is an opportunity that wouldn't have ever presented itself," Rilat states.  "Now all the pieces are in place, it's time to hit the track and get that trophy."

Following Tuesday afternoon's practice session, Rilat is slated for Friday night's O'Reilly Auto Parts Qualifying event aboard the Esslinger-powered Keith Kunz Motorsports No. 67x Bullet-chassis, taking on the likes of two-time Chili Bowl champs Tony Stewart and Cory Kruseman along with Kasey Kahne, Jason Leffler, Dave Darland and more.

"It's a stout lineup for sure, but you've got to beat those guys somewhere along the line," Rilat surmised.  "This is the Chili Bowl, it's not supposed to be easy.  But we're ready for it, this is by far the best opportunity I've ever had there and we're gonna' make the most of it."

Saturday night's final feature events will be available live on HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 7:00 p.m. (ordering information at www.hbo.com).

Travis Rilat's results from the 22^nd Annual Dodge Chili Bowl Midget Nationals will be available at www.chilibowl.com.