
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 Riley Herbst 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.

A look at the expected driver transfers, team re‑alignments and charter transactions that will shape the next NASCAR season.

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

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.

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.

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.

The 2026 Pocono race will feature a 38‑car lineup, with Hamlin on pole and a full slate of drivers competing under clear skies, broadcast live on Prime Video.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway will be streamed live on Prime Video at 1 p.m. ET, with Denny Hamlin leading a competitive top five.

The 2026 Pocono Raceway event promises high‑octane competition, a unique three‑stage format and a free‑trial streaming option for new Prime Video subscribers.

Denny Hamlin will lead the field at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, aiming for his third consecutive Cup Series victory while Tyler Reddick tops the standings.

Sean McGuire breaks down the key statistics and recent form of Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, Carson Hocevar, Erik Jones and Riley Herbst as the field prepares for the Pocono 400.

Denny Hamlin secured pole position with a 51.948-second lap at 173.250 mph, aiming for his third consecutive win from the front row. The full starting grid features top qualifiers Kyle Larson, Daniel Suarez, Ty Gibbs and Chase Briscoe, along with a deep field of 38 drivers representing major teams.

Denny Hamlin claimed his 51st NASCAR Cup Series pole at Pocono Raceway, narrowly defeating Kyle Larson by 0.055 seconds while several drivers grappled with injuries and mechanical issues.

Denny Hamlin secured the pole for the 16th points‑paying event of the 2026 Cup Series, with the start shifted earlier to dodge forecasted rain.

Denny Hamlin captured pole position at Pocono Raceway, beating Kyle Larson by a narrow margin, while the NASCAR Cup Series adjusted the race start to 1 p.m. to avoid inclement weather. The grid features a mix of seasoned competitors and rising talent.