Denny Hamlin leads NASCAR In-Season Challenge as the top seed after his recent victory in Michigan, continuing his dominance even though he skipped the Mexico City race. His consistent performance, adherence to rules, and key wins have secured him a strong start in this brand-new, high-stakes competition unfolding across several tracks.
A New Format Elevates Hamlin’s Position
With his win in the Michigan points race, Denny Hamlin secured the top spot for NASCAR’s inaugural In-Season Challenge, an event that borrows the intensity of March Madness with a single-elimination bracket format. The seeding began with Michigan, then moved to Mexico City and Pocono, with Hamlin—driving the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing—earning his standing by finishing first in the opener.
According to Bob Pockrass, an esteemed motorsports journalist, the seeding circumstances worked in Hamlin’s favor due to the existing tournament entrants and points distribution:
“Hamlin is still the top seed because SVG was 33rd in points at the time of the field being set and not in the tournament,”
Pockrass wrote on X.
“If anyone in the tournament had won the race, they would have been seeded ahead of Hamlin.”
—Bob Pockrass, Journalist
In this new competition, only those drivers who perform in the seeding events move on to the bracket battles, following a structure reminiscent of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. Hamlin’s Michigan victory earned him a secure path into the single-elimination rounds.
How the Bracket Races Will Work
The showdown heats up with the bracket portion, which starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway on June 28. In this phase, drivers compete directly against each other within seeded pairs, and only the higher finishing driver advances through each round. This structure keeps the energy high from race to race and adds extra pressure to every lap completed during the bracket rounds.
Sports Illustrated detailed how the initial matchups will occur:
“In the opening race of the five-race tournament, which will be contested at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), the No. 1-seeded driver will face off head-to-head against the No. 32-seeded driver, while the No. 2-seeded driver will face off against the No. 31-seeded driver, etc.”
—Sports Illustrated
The climactic final will take place between the two drivers with the best bracket records at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. The champion will claim a significant $1 million payout, adding financial intensity to the competitive drama. Given his early success, Denny Hamlin is widely viewed as a frontrunner for the title among fellow drivers and observers.
Ryan Truex Jr. Steps In and Receives Guidance
While the series made its stop at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, Denny Hamlin was unavailable, so Ryan Truex Jr. filled the seat. As the reserve driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and the younger sibling of now-retired Martin Truex Jr., Ryan received encouragement and advice from his brother before taking on the challenge.
Ryan Truex Jr. shared the following about his interaction with Martin Truex Jr.:
“I texted him this week when I found out. And he said, ‘The Truexes are one-for-one at Mexico. So, no pressure. I’m glad he could throw that at me. But yeah, he’s been good for advice.”
—Ryan Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
He added further insight into their relationship and support:
“What you guys see here and what you guys see on TV, that’s him. That’s how he is. Short [and] to the point. If I ask him stuff, he’ll tell me, but I don’t know how much it’ll translate from 2005,”
he added. —Ryan Truex Jr., Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Despite the pressure and the brief, pointed wisdom from his family, Ryan Truex Jr. managed to finish 23rd in the challenging race. This result, while not groundbreaking, held the position for Hamlin’s entry in the ongoing contest.
The Road Ahead in the In-Season Challenge
Denny Hamlin will return to action at Pocono for The Great American Getaway 400 on June 22, resuming his pursuit of the $1 million championship with a significant lead. The event promises a tight battle between drivers aiming to advance further in the bracket, while fans can follow the race live on Prime Video, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio starting at 2 pm ET.
The stakes remain high as every race directly affects the drivers’ survival and seeding in this new, dynamic format, ensuring Denny Hamlin’s bid for the In-Season Challenge remains one of the season’s most riveting storylines for NASCAR enthusiasts and competitors alike.
