Ty Dillon NASCAR In-Season Challenge became the center of attention after the No. 32-seed defied expectations and advanced to the finals, leaving veteran Denny Hamlin both surprised and vocal in his reactions. The drama unfolded at Dover International Speedway on Sunday, where Hamlin celebrated a win but did not hesitate to comment on Dillon’s unlikely run as the underdog moved closer to the championship at Indianapolis Motor Speedway next weekend.
Underdog Ty Dillon Carves Path to the Finals
Entering the NASCAR In-Season Challenge as the lowest seed, Dillon was widely seen as a long shot to make an impact. However, his journey began with a critical victory over Denny Hamlin in Atlanta, where Hamlin crashed, propelling Dillon forward while leaving more established drivers in his wake. As the rounds continued, Dillon eliminated a series of big names, knocking out Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, and John Hunter Nemechek to secure his spot in the finale.
Now, the only barrier between Dillon and the historic upset is Ty Gibbs, who awaits him at Indianapolis. The storyline marks a dramatic Year 1 for the Challenge, as Dillon, hailing from Welcome, North Carolina, readies for his biggest test yet.
Hamlin’s Reaction to Dillon’s Unexpected Advance
Despite his own success at Dover, Denny Hamlin offered blunt observations when news broke of Dillon joining the final showdown. Hamlin pointedly evaluated what might have been if not for his early defeat in Atlanta, hinting at missed opportunities.
“Is he in the finals? You know what that tells me though… Had I got past Atlanta how easy was my trip going to be to the finals? Where’d he finish? 20th?!”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
While Hamlin acknowledged Dillon’s underdog status and expressed some support, he remained skeptical about Dillon’s prospects in Indianapolis.
“Listen, I’m rooting for him personally, especially as the worst seed, right? But I think at Indy, he’s gonna need some help.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin Shifts Support After Reddick’s Elimination
Tyler Reddick, Hamlin’s 23XI Racing teammate, was still competing until Ty Gibbs ousted him at Dover, shifting allegiance among the drivers. In a candid moment, Hamlin revealed his support had turned toward Ty Gibbs for the upcoming finale, making his competitive intentions clear.
“I’m all Ty [Gibbs] now. I wasn’t this week but it looks like he knocked out Tyler [Reddick],”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
With his teammate out, Hamlin solidified his alliance for the closure of the challenge, further fueling the emotional charge leading into the Indianapolis finals.
Dillon Faces Doubts but Embraces Underdog Role
The rivalry among drivers has added tension as Ty Dillon pursues a victory that few saw coming. While some view Hamlin’s remarks as typical competitor banter, others sense underlying skepticism. Dillon, driving for Kaulig Racing, however, seems unfazed by both doubt and banter from other veterans.
Speaking about his progress, Dillon referenced his resilience and perseverance as a staple of his career, highlighting how overcoming skepticism has become a routine part of his experience on the track. He told NBC Sports that the journey to the finals reinforces his long-standing role as a NASCAR underdog fighting for respect.
“It’s hard to say that we lucked into it this far in, and I am proud of the way we have run. We haven’t been a dominating car, but we have been a pain to everyone around us. That is all we can do — put pressure on them and execute at the right time and that is what we have done.”
—Ty Dillon, Driver
Spotlight Turns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The focus now turns to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, regarded as one of Ty Dillon’s better tracks in the Cup Series. With the championship just one race away, Dillon aims to defy his doubters and possibly secure the biggest win of his career. Should he prevail over Ty Gibbs and take the NASCAR In-Season Challenge in its inaugural year, even his most skeptical rivals may be compelled to acknowledge his performance.
The final race promises heightened emotion and conflict on the track, as drivers like Dillon seek validation, and the sport’s established figures such as Hamlin and Keselowski observe with anticipation. As the season’s unique mid-year showdown approaches its conclusion, the eyes of the racing world remain fixed on the underdog making history in the Ty Dillon NASCAR In-Season Challenge.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Channel 4’s soap recently revealed that Dillon is the dad of Leah Barnes’s new baby boy, James. After a one-year time jump in the show, Leah had her baby, and many villagers mistakenly thought that Charlie Dean, who wasn’t around, was the father.
Q. Who is older, Austin or Ty Dillon?
A. Dillon, the elder of the two brothers, is 27 years old, while Ty is 25. At one point, he nearly chose a different job path instead of racing.
