Ty Dillon of Kaulig Racing has advanced to the final round of the NASCAR in-season bracket challenge and will compete for a chance at a $1 million prize during the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As one of two finalists, Dillon stands out in the Kaulig Racing NASCAR bracket challenge, capturing attention for his resilience and progress this season.
Ty Dillon Reaches Bracket Challenge Final
This year, NASCAR launched an innovative in-season bracket challenge, inspired by elimination-style tournaments in the NBA, to boost fan participation and add excitement to the series. Ty Dillon, piloting the #10 Chevy Camaro ZL1, has outshined several notable drivers including Denny Hamlin, Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, and John Hunter Nemechek on his journey through the bracket.
Team owner Matt Kaulig spoke about Dillon’s remarkable run on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, reflecting on both the challenge and the team‘s performance. Kaulig highlighted the significance of reaching the finals, considering Kaulig Racing typically does not compete for victories each week yet has managed an impressive feat.
“I think it is absolutely phenomenal. We, you know, we were talking about, you know, the race just ended, what? 10 minutes ago, 15 minutes ago, but we’re like, this is better than a win. I mean, this team of 10 has been resilient. They’ve been awesome. And to give, to give a guy like Ty Dillon and our 10 team, you know that really, we’re not competing for wins, typically weekend and week out, but like, that’s a win.”
—Matt Kaulig, Team Owner
Kaulig also noted the excitement surrounding the upcoming final and the remarkable achievement of being one of only two teams with a shot at the million-dollar purse.
So we’re, I mean, they’re sitting up on TV right now and talking about next week, but at the end of the day, there’s, what, 36 teams, and we’re one of two that are competing for a million dollars next year, or next week so could be more excited. First, have you ever seen,” he added.
Spotlight on the Upcoming Brickyard 400
The high-stakes final, the Brickyard 400 Presented by PPG, will take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, July 27, 2025. The race, consisting of 160 laps, will be broadcast live at 2 pm ET across TNT, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, and HBO Max. The winner of this event will not only secure a prominent victory but will also take home the prize that has been the talk of the NASCAR community.
Dillon’s Growth with Kaulig Racing
Ty Dillon’s path to this moment has been marked by determination and adaptability. After driving full-time for Spire Motorsports in 2023, piloting the #77 car, he moved to Kaulig Racing, initially on a part-time basis in 2024, and later securing a full-time role for the 2025 season with the #10 Chevy Camaro ZL1.
In an interview with Big Play Sports Network, Dillon shared how joining Kaulig Racing has influenced both his performance and his personal experience as a driver.
“This one has had the most positive impact on me outside the car and inside the car. First of all, the speed has been really good. The best speed of any race car I’ve ever driven in my career in the Cup Series. But the support from Matt [Kaulig] himself, the drive to win, and just the way he treats his people is second to none, and that makes the difference,”
Ty Dillon said.
Currently, Dillon sits 30th on the Cup Series points table with 337 points, having achieved a notable top-ten finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway from 21 starts. His steady improvement and connection with Kaulig Racing have positioned him as a major contender during this critical phase of the season.
The Impact of NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge
The introduction of the bracket challenge has reshaped the competitive landscape, engaging fans and bringing new storylines to the sport. Teams like Kaulig Racing are now under the spotlight, and drivers such as Dillon are seizing their chance to excel, demonstrating that perseverance and team spirit can lead to unexpected success.
As the NASCAR audience awaits the result of the Brickyard 400, all eyes are on Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing, and the unique tournament structure that has driven fresh energy into the series. The final at Indianapolis is set to make a lasting impression, as Dillon and his team aim to transform their resilience into a historic win and a million-dollar reward.
