With just one NASCAR Cup Series race left before the official lineup is set, Kyle Larson favored for NASCAR Cup Series championship emerges as a leading contender in this season’s most anticipated showdown. As the final field for the $1 million NASCAR In-Season Challenge is about to be confirmed following the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, the competition for remaining spots is intensifying.
Final Race Establishes In-Season Challenge Lineup
Only the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville stands between drivers and a place in the inaugural 32-driver grid for the high-stakes tournament. Multiple competitors, including Brad Keselowski, Shane van Gisbergen, Riley Herbst, and Cole Custer, are still vying for entry. Brad Keselowski’s strong performance with a top-five finish at Charlotte last weekend bumped Riley Herbst to 34th, with Herbst now closely trailing as drivers jockey for the final spots.
Shane van Gisbergen enters Nashville 19 points behind Keselowski, sitting at 33rd in the standings, while Cole Custer is only five points behind Herbst at 35th. Every point will be critical during Sunday’s event, as the seeding for the 32-driver field will depend on the next three races at Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono. The official bracket will be set once these races are complete, leading directly into the head-to-head elimination tournament. The champion will be named after five grueling rounds, coinciding with The Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27.
Kyle Larson Remains Betting Favorite for Championship Title
Kyle Larson, the current leader in Cup points and the 2021 series champion, is virtually guaranteed a spot in the in-season challenge and is also the favorite for this year’s Cup Series title. FanDuel Sportsbook lists him at +280 odds, reflecting high expectations for his performance.
Ross Chastain Gains Momentum Following Charlotte Weekend
Ross Chastain is drawing new attention after his successful showing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he took the checkered flag in the Cup event and finished second in the Truck race. This resurgence has prompted speculation about whether Chastain is developing into a contender for the Cup. His recent results set the stage for a potentially competitive run as the season progresses.
Outlook for the Upcoming Bracket-Style Tournament
The upcoming in-season bracket tournament promises high drama, as competitors from across the series battle through elimination rounds for the $1 million prize. The new tournament format adds fresh excitement to the NASCAR calendar and will test drivers’ consistency and adaptability. With strong names like Kyle Larson, Brad Keselowski, and emerging figures such as Shane van Gisbergen, Riley Herbst, and Cole Custer aiming for a spot, anticipation continues to build as fans await developments in the final qualifying race and beyond.
