HomeNASCAR NewsNASCAR Drivers NewsDenny Hamlin leads NASCAR In-Season Challenge after Michigan win, eyes $1M prize...

Denny Hamlin leads NASCAR In-Season Challenge after Michigan win, eyes $1M prize in new tournament format

Denny Hamlin leads NASCAR In-Season Challenge after Michigan, following his commanding win at Michigan International Speedway on June 8, which solidified his standing as the frontrunner in NASCAR’s newly launched In-Season Challenge. This high-stakes competition kicked off alongside the regular season this year, offering a $1 million reward for the ultimate victor as it shakes up the race calendar with a tournament format not seen before in the sport.

Hamlin’s Michigan Victory Sets Stage for In-Season Challenge

At Michigan International Speedway, Hamlin captured his third victory of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season—a win that holds greater weight since it was the opening act of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge. His performance not only added another trophy to his collection but immediately secured his spot in the next stage of the new $1 million competition.

This race was the first of three critical seeding events. Hamlin’s success ensured him a spot among the initial 32 drivers who will advance to the bracket phase, which is at the heart of this tournament. Following Michigan, two more seeding events—Mexico City and Pocono—will determine the remaining automatic qualifiers, while the rest of the bracket will be filled by the highest-placing finishers across these opening races.

Denny Hamlin
Image of: Denny Hamlin

How the In-Season Challenge Tournament Works

NASCAR has built the In-Season Challenge to run over eight races in June and July, weaving it into the standard Cup Series schedule. After the three seeding races, the bracket phase begins at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 28. From there, the tournament takes on a single-elimination format, with head-to-head matchups narrowing the field in each round.

Drivers are paired against each other, and whoever finishes ahead in their heat advances. The field of 32 first halves to 16, then to 8, then 4, leading eventually to two finalists. The tension builds through each round, culminating in a championship showdown at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the top finisher will walk away with the coveted $1 million prize and the prestige of besting NASCAR’s best in a unique format.

NASCAR Insights provided an update on standings, confirming Hamlin’s top position as the leader in current seeding. The significance of every lap is heightened, as even a single track position could be the difference between moving on and going home. This parallel championship adds new drama and pressure while the regular season races continue in the background.

“Michigan marked the 1st of 3 seeding races for the In-Season Tournament, beginning at Atlanta. Seeding is based off of a drivers best finish in the 3 races.” —NASCAR Insights

Denny Hamlin’s early dominance positions him as a prime contender for the bracket’s high-stakes finish, even as there is currently no traditional points leader for the tournament itself.

Hamlin Embraces Villain Role and Celebrates with Passion

Following his Michigan win, Hamlin spoke candidly about his celebrations and his reputation with fans. He revealed that his post-race celebration involved a new take on his signature catchphrase, and while he planned a celebratory burnout, it had to be cut short due to low fuel. Hamlin, also co-owner of 23XI Racing, didn’t shy away from his villain label, sharing that he relishes the emotional reactions—good or bad—he evokes from crowds.

“It’s a lot of fun for me. I love making people feel a certain way. Positive or negative, I do not care. All the fans that I’ve been face to face with have been very respectful. What they say outside on the other side of the fence, free rein. Do whatever you want to do, say whatever you want to say. They’ve been very respectful in the small arena,” Denny Hamlin said.

Hamlin vowed to keep provoking fans until the jeers eventually turn to cheers, noting that celebrating victories is vital due to how rare and challenging each win is in NASCAR’s fiercely competitive environment. His outlook and energetic presence on and off the track continue to spark reactions, adding a layer of drama to the unfolding In-Season Challenge.

What Lies Ahead as the Tournament Heats Up

With his Michigan win, Denny Hamlin stands as a favorite to capture the inaugural In-Season Challenge crown and its $1 million prize. As the field prepares for upcoming seeding battles in Mexico City and Pocono before the dramatic single-elimination rounds begin, Hamlin’s rivals must raise their game to match his momentum.

The innovative format not only intensifies every moment on the track but also promises fresh storylines for fans, drivers, and teams alike. As the competition heads toward Atlanta Motor Speedway and then the finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the stakes—and emotions—will only escalate, making this season a landmark in NASCAR history.

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