- NASCAR’s new In-season Challenge begins next week in Atlanta
- Denny Hamlin tops the 32-driver field for the $1M prize
- Bracket mirrors NCAA format, ending at Indianapolis
Denny Hamlin will enter NASCAR’s first-ever In-season Challenge as the top seed, leading a 32-driver field in the new single-elimination competition that begins next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
The format, part of NASCAR’s fresh media partnership with TNT, features a five-race bracket-style tournament. A $1 million payout awaits the eventual winner.
Final seedings were determined based on performances at Michigan, Mexico City, and Pocono. Chase Briscoe’s victory in Sunday’s Cup race at Pocono Raceway secured the final lineup.
Drivers will compete in direct matchups, progressing through a structure modeled after NCAA basketball tournaments.
Hamlin’s first-round opponent is 32nd seed Ty Dillon. Briscoe, seeded second, is followed by Chris Buescher in third, Christopher Bell in fourth, and Chase Elliott in fifth.
The elimination rounds will reduce the field to 16 in Chicago, then to 8 at Sonoma, 4 at Dover, and the final showdown between the last two drivers will take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The competition draws inspiration from in-season tournaments seen in global football leagues and the NBA.
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