
NASCAR Announces 2026 In-Season Challenge Format and Matchups
The 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge will feature head-to-head races across five venues, culminating in a $1 million award for the champion.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Brad Keselowski across Nascar.

The 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge will feature head-to-head races across five venues, culminating in a $1 million award for the champion.

The upcoming Anduril 250 race at Naval Base Coronado will feature a 39‑driver field, highlighted by notable entries and a potential replacement for Christopher Bell due to injury.
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.

NASCAR’s new bracket competition begins June 28 at Sonoma and will culminate in a $1 million prize at Indianapolis, featuring a slate of seeded matchups across the season

Christopher Bell escaped a violent crash at Michigan with a broken wrist but still competed at Pocono. The incident has ignited a safety review across NASCAR, with drivers inspecting gear and chassis. Meanwhile, Josh Berry will not return to Wood Brothers Racing in 2027, and veteran co‑owner Dennis Reinbold has died.

Denny Hamlin captured his 64th career win, while Tyler Reddick’s lead shrank to 19 points, and Legacy Motor Club’s John Hunter Nemechek posted a career‑high fourth place.

The 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge will feature a 32‑driver bracket, beginning at Sonoma Raceway and ending at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with Ty Gibbs defending a $1 million title.

A chaotic nine‑car collision at Pocono Raceway knocked several playoff hopefuls out of contention, altered point balances, and delivered surprising breakthroughs for teams such as Legacy Motor Club.

NASCAR announces a historic street‑course event at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, where a 3.4‑mile layout with 19 turns will debut in the 2026 Cup Series, spotlighting new drivers, a tight championship battle and a unique coastal setting.

A look at how three consecutive DNFs dropped Brad Keselowski below the playoff line, paving the way for Erik Jones and reshaping the points battle before the next race at Qualcomm Circuit.

Brad Keselowski's three consecutive DNFs drop him below the playoff cutoff, while Erik Jones secures a provisional spot, tightening the battle heading into the upcoming race in San Diego.

Denny Hamlin’s third consecutive victory has narrowed the points gap to Tyler Reddick, with Ryan Blaney trailing by 165 points. As the series gears up for a historic event at Naval Base Coronado, Erik Jones climbs inside the cut line and Team Penske’s Austin Cindric remains a threat.

Denny Hamlin captured his third straight Pocono victory, tightening the championship race while Dystany Spurlock's Juneteenth paint design sparked controversy, Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace collided, Kyle Busch was honored with In-N-Out Burgers at his funeral, and Jimmie Johnson made a high‑profile appearance at Le Mans.

Denny Hamlin's win at Pocono Raceway cut Tyler Reddick's points advantage to 19, while Christopher Bell fought through a broken wrist and Joey Logano's slump deepened. The battle for the final playoff berth now hinges on a four‑point gap between Austin Cindric and Brad Keselowski.
Denny Hamlin’s recent winning streak has vaulted him to the top of the points standings, narrowing the gap to Tyler Reddick, while Legacy Motor Club’s drivers show strong speed and Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano face setbacks at Pocono.

Denny Hamlin's eighth NASCAR Cup Series trophy at Pocono not only extended his winning streak but also cut Tyler Reddick's points advantage, while Michael Jordan's ownership stake and a fuel‑related setback for Christopher Bell added drama to a tightening championship battle.

Tyler Reddick maintains the top spot in the Cup Series standings, but Denny Hamlin's recent surge narrows the gap, while a cluster of contenders jostle just outside the Chase cutline.

Denny Hamlin led from the pole to claim his third consecutive 2026 NASCAR Cup Series victory at Pocono, narrowing the points gap to leader Tyler Reddick. Todd Gilliland’s first career stage win highlighted Front Row Motorsports, while Christopher Bell’s late pit stop dropped him to 26th and Brad Keselowski fell outside the playoff cutoff.

Denny Hamlin captured his third consecutive victory at Pocono, while John Hunter Nemechek led the most laps. Brad Keselowski slipped below the cutline, and Josh Berry's 33rd‑place finish raised doubts about his seat.

Denny Hamlin captured his eighth win at Pocono Raceway, edging Tyler Reddick in a fuel‑saving duel that reshaped the championship standings.

Denny Hamlin captured his third consecutive victory at Pocono Raceway, reflecting on a near‑perfect streak while citing Michael Jordan’s rallying words. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell’s wrist injury and Brad Keselowski’s recent wrecks add intrigue as NASCAR prepares for a one‑off race at Naval Base Coronado, where Shane van Gisbergen is the favorite.

Denny Hamlin captured a historic three‑peat at Pocono Raceway, securing his fourth win of the season and 64th career victory. The performance dramatically trimmed Tyler Reddick’s points advantage and set the stage for a fierce finish to the regular season.

Tyler Reddick still tops the Cup Series standings, but Denny Hamlin's recent surge has narrowed the gap, setting up a fierce chase for the playoff cutoff.

Denny Hamlin won the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway, moving to second in the standings behind Tyler Reddick, who leads with 353 points.