The 2026 NASCAR In‑Season Challenge officially starts on June 28, marking the beginning of a unique tournament format that pits drivers against one another in a single‑elimination style competition.
Opening Round at Sonoma Raceway
The first round unfolds at the scenic Sonoma Raceway in California, where 16 drivers will contest 16 head‑to‑head matchups. The stakes are high, as each victory guarantees a spot in the next stage of the tournament.
Among the early pairings, Denny Hamlin will meet defending champion Ty Dillon in a rematch of last year’s upset, adding a narrative layer to the competition.
A Road Trip Across the Circuit
Following the Sonoma opener, the field will head to Chicagoland Speedway, then to EchoPark, before arriving at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Each venue presents its own challenges, from the high‑speed banking of Chicagoland to the tight, tactical layout of North Wilkesboro.
The schedule also includes additional pairings such as Tyler Reddick versus Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric against Brad Keselowski, and a clash between Chase Elliott and Noah Gragson, among several others.
The tournament will culminate on July 26 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the finalists will battle for the championship and the prestige of being crowned the in‑season champion.