Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Chicagoland across Nascar.
The NASCAR In-Season Bracket Challenge has narrowed the field to eight competitors, setting up a high‑stakes finale at EchoPark Speedway, North Wilkesboro and the Brickyard 400.
Chase Briscoe's sixth career NASCAR win arrived during the Fourth of July weekend, highlighted by a special Bass Pro Shop paint scheme and a close battle with teammate Christopher Bell.
Austin Hill is currently piloting Kyle Busch’s former NASCAR Cup car, the No. 33, and his consistent results have positioned him as the leading candidate for a full‑time seat in 2027.
A quick look at the standout performances from NASCAR practice at Chicagoland, featuring Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron and Corey Heim.
After a decade away from the track, Shannon Spake is back on pit road, joining Marty Snider and Danielle Trotta for the 2026 In‑Season Challenge, while veteran driver Shane van Gisbergen’s recent road‑course streak adds extra intrigue.
Tyler Reddick’s championship lead evaporated at Sonoma, where a power‑steering issue forced a last‑place finish, allowing Denny Hamlin to move into the points lead by a single point.
Denny Hamlin and Ty Dillon meet again at Sonoma Raceway, with the victor earning a shot at Erik Jones or Joey Logano in Chicago. Both drivers stress the unpredictable nature of road‑course racing as the stakes climb.
This week, Team Penske is competing in both IMSA in New York and NASCAR in California, while a broadcast shift to TNT Sports brings new coverage and a high‑stakes tournament with a million‑dollar prize.
NASCAR’s second annual In-Season Challenge will unfold from June 28 through July 26, pitting the 32 drivers who sit highest in the Cup Series standings against one another in a knockout format. The tournament is structured around five distinct venues, each chosen to test different skill sets, from high‑speed ovals to technical road courses. The prize on offer is substantial: the champion of the bracket will walk away with a $1 million payout, a figure that underscores the series’ intent to blend competition with a tangible financial incentive for drivers and teams. Among the storylines generating the most buzz is the early‑round clash between veteran Denny Hamlin and up‑and‑coming Ty Dillon. Hamlin entered the event on a three‑race winning streak, yet last year’s edition saw Dillon pull off an upset that sent Hamlin home earlier than expected, a result that adds a layer of intrigue to their upcoming encounter. The schedule’s diversity is another focal point. Competitors will travel from the historic banks of Indianapolis to the scenic turns of Sonoma, from the thunderous roar of Chicagoland to the tight, tactical layout of North Wilkesboro, and finally to the iconic Brickyard for the championship race, where the final showdown will decide the million‑dollar winner.
Denny Hamlin’s recent victory has narrowed the championship race, but Tyler Reddick still holds a commanding lead. With new contenders emerging and a packed summer schedule ahead, the title picture remains fluid.
Connor Zilisch’s strong showing at Charlotte Motor Speedway sets the stage for a strategic driver swap at Nashville, where Carson Kvapil steps into the No. 91 car.