The 2026 In‑Season Tournament will crown its champion at the Toyota / Save Mart 350, where a $1 million grand prize awaits the winner. The event, held at the scenic Sonoma Raceway in California, marks the first time the tournament’s finale is staged on a road course, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement for fans and fantasy participants alike.
Road‑Course Maestros
Among the drivers who could shape the outcome, Shane Van Gisbergen stands out. The New Zealander captured his first Sonoma victory in 2025, demonstrating a rare blend of precision and adaptability on winding layouts. His history of success on road courses makes him a top pick for DraftKings contests.
Close behind him is Connor Zilisch, a young talent who has already amassed seven wins in the Saturday series and shown strong qualifying pace on similar tracks. Analysts expect his aggressive yet measured approach to translate into a competitive fantasy roster spot.
Chase Briscoe enters the weekend with a car that has been quick in practice sessions, and his recent form suggests he could break into the top tier. While his qualifying results have been modest, his race‑day speed often compensates, positioning him as a solid contender for a high‑finishing finish.
Chris Buescher brings a track record of consistency on road courses, highlighted by multiple top‑10 finishes and a strong showing at Sonoma in previous years. His ability to maintain pressure throughout the event’s longer runs often yields valuable points for fantasy lineups.
Daniel Suarez, the 2022 Sonoma winner, continues to prove his mettle on this venue. Past performances indicate a familiarity with the track’s nuances, and his recent improvements suggest he could contend for the podium once again.
Bubba Wallace, despite a challenging qualifying round, has been steadily climbing the road‑course rankings. Recent upgrades to his package have sparked optimism that he could emerge as a dark‑horse threat, especially if the race unfolds with strategic caution.
The Stakes Behind the Prize
The $1 million prize injects a heightened sense of urgency into the competition, influencing team strategies and driver mindsets. For fantasy players, the elevated stakes often correlate with more aggressive lineup choices, as the potential payoff can dramatically shift season‑long rankings.