
NASCAR’s Looming Exclusions: Who Might Miss The Chase?
A deep dive into the performances of Michael McDowell, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain and Ryan Preece reveals a looming crisis for several playoff hopefuls.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Michael McDowell across Nascar.

A deep dive into the performances of Michael McDowell, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain and Ryan Preece reveals a looming crisis for several playoff hopefuls.

With his contract ending, Josh Berry is weighing options that could shape his 2027 season, from Front Row Motorsports to JR Motorsports.

The second edition of NASCAR's In‑Season Challenge begins in two weeks at Sonoma Raceway, where the bracket will be set by the latest Cup Series standings after Pocono.

NASCAR introduced a five‑week, single‑elimination bracket in 2025 that rewards the champion with $1 million, while the 2026 edition expands to new venues and seeds teams by current standings.

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

NASCAR will host a three‑race weekend in Coronado featuring the Navy 250, United Rentals Driven To Serve 250 and the Anduril 250, highlighting manufacturer line‑ups, points leaders and a slate of veteran drivers.

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
NASCAR will debut a 3.4‑mile temporary street course on Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, featuring 19 turns, railroad crossings, and a scenic bayfront stretch. The event, part of a weekend that includes all three national series, highlights Kevin Magnussen's Cup debut, Jimmie Johnson's double duty, and a tight championship battle between Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin, while marking the final Prime Video broadcast before TNT takes over.

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.

The weekend features the Navy 250, United Rentals Driven To Serve 250 and the Anduril 250, each with its own schedule, manufacturers and contenders.

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.

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.

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.

Denny Hamlin's four consecutive wins have erased much of Tyler Reddick's championship advantage, while Austin Cindric clings to a precarious bubble and the field prepares for an unprecedented street course at Naval Base Coronado.

Denny Hamlin won the Pocono Cup race, cutting his deficit to points leader Tyler Reddick, while a Lap‑46 crash involving several top drivers altered the standings.
Denny Hamlin's third consecutive victory at Pocono brings him within 19 points of points leader Tyler Reddick, while a lap‑46 crash involving several top drivers reshuffles the standings and heightens the stakes for the upcoming Chase.

Denny Hamlin won the NASCAR race at Pocono Raceway, securing three straight victories for the first time in his career. The event was less dramatic than expected, with Hamlin earning 67 points and stage points in both stages.

Pocono Raceway’s family‑friendly vibe and record crowds highlight its enduring appeal to drivers and fans alike.

Denny Hamlin captured his fourth victory of the season at Pocono Raceway, extending a streak of three consecutive wins and tightening the battle for the title.

On June 14, the Cup Series will stage a 400‑mile race at Pocono Raceway, featuring a triangular layout, three-stage format and an exclusive Prime Video broadcast with a free trial for new subscribers.