For the first time in NASCAR’s 76-year history, drivers will compete in a bracket-style, in-season tournament for a $1 million payout. Dubbed the NASCAR In-Season Challenge presented by DraftKings Sportsbook, this five-race event brings a March Madness-like feel to stock car racing. With 32 drivers locked in after the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, the stage is set—but their tournament seeding will hinge on performances in the next two races. The stakes are high, and every position could mean the difference between an early exit or a million-dollar payday at Indianapolis.
How the Seeding Works: Two Races Left to Climb
Seeding for the tournament is not based on season-long consistency but rather a driver’s single best finish over three specific Cup Series races:
FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway (June 9) — Denny Hamlin won
Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez (June 15)
Pocono 350 at Pocono Raceway (June 23)
Each driver’s best result from these events will set their seed from No. 1 to No. 32. If there’s a tie, NASCAR will use the second-best finish, and then the third-best if needed. If the tie still isn’t broken, the total points from the three races will serve as the final tiebreaker.
In short, one strong run—especially a win—could skyrocket a driver to the top of the bracket. For instance, Denny Hamlin’s win in Michigan means he can’t be seeded lower than third, no matter what happens in the next two races. It’s all about peaking at the right time.
Tournament Format: A Bracket Battle to the Brickyard
Once seeding is finalized, the 32-driver tournament will unfold across five summer events. Each matchup is head-to-head—the better finisher advances. Here’s the breakdown:
| Date | Drivers | Race | Track | Network | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28 | 32 → 16 | Quaker State 400 | EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) | TNT | 7:00 PM |
| July 6 | 16 → 8 | Grant Park 165 | Chicago Street Course | TNT | 2:00 PM |
| July 13 | 8 → 4 | Toyota/Save Mart 350 | Sonoma Raceway | TNT | 3:30 PM |
| July 20 | 4 → 2 | Autotrader EchoPark 400 | Dover Motor Speedway | TNT | 2:00 PM |
| July 27 | Final 2 | Brickyard 400 | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | TNT | 2:00 PM |
This isn’t just about finishing up front—it’s about beating the driver you’re paired against. The structure makes every duel matter, turning the typically chaotic summer races into focused elimination showdowns. The two finalists will face off at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with $1 million at stake.
Who Made the Field? The 32-Driver Cutoff
The tournament field was locked in based on driver points standings after Nashville. Here are just a few highlights:
Top Seeds: William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell have been rock-solid this year and are likely to grab high seeds with continued momentum.
Fan Favorites & Contenders: Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney all bring championship-caliber experience.
Underdogs: Ty Dillon, Justin Haley, and Noah Gragson barely made the cut but could disrupt the bracket with one good finish.
Notable Absences: Shane van Gisbergen, Cole Custer, Riley Herbst, and Cody Ware all missed the cut for the inaugural tournament.
Every team is now strategizing how to peak in these next two races—not just for points, but to land a favorable seed in the bracket.
News in Brief: NASCAR’s In-Season Tournament Kicks Off
The NASCAR In-Season Challenge marks a bold new direction for the sport—adding midseason drama, unpredictable pairings, and a serious cash incentive. With Denny Hamlin already making a statement in Michigan, the pressure builds heading into Mexico City and Pocono. Drivers are battling not just for trophies, but for their place in a summer showdown that ends with a million-dollar reward at the Brickyard. Fans can expect fireworks, upsets, and playoff-style tension long before the playoffs even begin.
