Ty Dillon continues to defy expectations in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, most recently stunning Brad Keselowski in an unexpected outcome. This Brad Keselowski NASCAR Challenge upset leaves fans questioning how long Dillon’s improbable run with Kaulig Racing can continue, especially as the underdog heads into the next bracket round.
Dillon’s Unexpected Rise in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge
Since the start of NASCAR’s first In-Season Challenge, Ty Dillon, the lowest-ranked driver in the 32-car field, has shocked fans and competitors alike. Few expected Dillon to survive even the opening race, but his performance has turned heads and brought a lively streak of humor to post-race interviews.
Dillon’s journey as a surprise contender began in Atlanta, where he eliminated the top-seeded Denny Hamlin. Dillon outran Hamlin by finishing eighth, while Hamlin, involved in a multi-car crash, managed only 31st place. After the race, Dillon addressed Hamlin’s fanbase with a playful nod to Hamlin’s own victory catchphrases:
“All you Denny fans out there: I just knocked your favorite driver out,”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
This comment, delivered with a grin, drew attention not just for its humor but for introducing Dillon’s cheeky approach to dispatching higher-ranked opponents.
Hamlin later revealed to his podcast listeners that he found Dillon’s joke entertaining, reducing any perceived rivalry and ensuring Dillon’s comedic momentum would persist through the next round.
Brad Keselowski Becomes Dillon’s Latest Target in Surprising Upset
Round Two of the In-Season Challenge pitted Dillon against Brad Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion boasting 36 Cup victories. Despite Dillon’s lengthy Cup career without a win, he persisted against the odds at Chicago’s challenging street circuit.
Dillon again upset expectations by finishing 20th, while Keselowski, caught in a crash sparked by Carson Hocevar, finished 37th. The result sent shockwaves through the paddock and handed Dillon another notable scalp. After this latest triumph, Dillon couldn’t hide his excitement, praising his Kaulig Racing crew:
“This No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet team is just a tough team. We never quit. We don’t even know how to. I’m just so proud of Kaulig Racing and our No. 10 team.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
Dillon’s post-race remarks, delivered with a wide smile, drew inspiration from Chicago’s basketball heritage as he poked fun at Keselowski’s defeat:
“I knew in a basketball city (Chicago), going up against Brad in a game of knockout, I was going to have a good chance,”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
The ongoing bracket format, which offers a $1 million prize to the tournament winner, now sees Dillon progressing as one of eight remaining contenders. His next challenge is against eighth-seeded Alex Bowman at Sonoma Raceway, a formidable test as the competition tightens.
Dillon Looks Ahead With Renewed Confidence and Momentum
Ty Dillon’s underdog story has become a central narrative in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, with fans growing increasingly supportive as he knocks out high-profile competitors. His self-assurance and resilience are evident as he eyes further success:
“We’re just going to keep working hard, put pressure on who we’re facing next and see if we can keep it rolling,”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
As Dillon prepares for the next challenge against Alex Bowman at Sonoma Raceway, the racing world watches to see whether his unexpected streak will continue. With each upset, Dillon adds excitement and suspense to the tournament, reminding fans and competitors that in motorsport, anything can happen.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Brad Keselowski Polish?
A. Good luck to Brad Keselowski, a veteran NASCAR driver, who is of Polish ancestry. This weekend, he will race in the NASCAR Chicago events. Brad races the No. 6 Ford Mustang Dark Horse full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.
