NASCAR’s In‑Season Challenge Kicks Off at Sonoma with $1 Million Prize at Stake
NASCAR returns to Sonoma Raceway for a road‑course weekend, where a $1 million In‑Season Challenge begins and qualifying metrics set the stage for a high‑stakes race.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Ross Chastain across Nascar.
NASCAR returns to Sonoma Raceway for a road‑course weekend, where a $1 million In‑Season Challenge begins and qualifying metrics set the stage for a high‑stakes race.
With Cup Series qualifying determining the lineup for Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350, the NASCAR In‑Season Challenge begins this weekend, offering a $1 million prize to the top 32 drivers who survive Round 1.

A look at the drivers who are quietly poised to make an impact at Sonoma Raceway, from Michael McDowell’s consistency to Chase Briscoe’s recent surge and Ross Chastain’s track record.

Shane van Gisbergen led 97 laps last year and outpaced Chase Briscoe, and now he eyes a repeat at the 2026 Toyota/Save Mart 350, while betting analysts highlight Briscoe as a top play.

Kevin Magnussen’s NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Coronado Street Course produced a fastest lap and a 27th‑place finish, while Trackhouse Racing announced it will skip the No. 91 Chevrolet at Sonoma, underscoring a charter‑only lineup.

Daniel Suárez, once written off after leaving Trackhouse, now leads a resurgence at Spire Motorsports, posting career‑best finishes and positioning himself for a Chase berth.

NASCAR will race at Sonoma Raceway in California from June 26 to June 28, 2026, featuring the Cup Series, O’Reilly Series and ARCA Menards Series, with coverage across multiple TV and streaming platforms and Tyler Reddick leading the points standings.

NASCAR’s 2026 playoff format, branded as the Chase, will bring together the 16 drivers who have accumulated the most points during the regular season. Points are reset before the final stretch, and nine races remain before the playoff field is set.

The 2026 In‑Season Challenge opens the NASCAR season on a road course, featuring key matchups, broadcast reach and storylines that could reshape early championship dynamics.

Noah Gragson revealed he was seconds away from striking Kevin Magnussen after a race‑long feud, but a team warning kept the confrontation from turning violent.

NASCAR’s Sonoma weekend blends racing action with podcast recordings, concerts, an aerial show and farmer‑focused events, creating a community‑focused experience.

Ross Chastain, Connor Zilisch, and Shane van Gisbergen are set to headline the upcoming NASCAR event at Sonoma Raceway, each bringing distinct storylines and ambitions.

Shane van Gisbergen opens as the -150 favorite for the Sonoma road race, while Kyle Larson seeks to protect his championship lead after a strong third‑place finish in San Diego.

NASCAR is set to descend on Sonoma Raceway in California for a packed weekend of racing that will showcase its premier Cup Series alongside the O’Reilly and ARCA Menards Series.

The NASCAR Cup Series returns to Sonoma Raceway, a 2.52‑mile road course that tests skill and strategy. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising talent, the Toyota/Save Mart 350 promises a dramatic battle for the checkered flag.

Erik Jones shares how early career choices, mentorship from Kyle Busch, and the responsibilities of fatherhood shape his approach to racing and life.

The Sonoma Raceway will host a weekend of NASCAR racing featuring the Cup Series and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with odds, participants and teams highlighted.

The NASCAR Cup Series In‑Season Challenge offers a $1 million prize, determined at Indianapolis in late July. The top 32 drivers, selected after Pocono, compete in a bracket‑style tournament, with fans able to win the same amount with a perfect bracket. This week’s matchups at Sonoma highlight Reddick’s road‑course surge, Bowman’s early exit, and a host of statistical storylines.

A recent NASCAR encounter between former F1 driver Kevin Magnussen and Noah Gragson has sparked talk that the 2026 season may finally deliver the on‑track intrigue the sport has been missing.

The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 will feature a full roster of 36 Cup Series drivers, highlighted by stars such as Kyle Larson and Austin Hill, who will contest both the Cup and Xfinity events. With no part‑time entries and a strong contingent of top teams, the race promises intense competition following a recent 39‑car showing at Naval Base Coronado.

NASCAR’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway will feature a full complement of 36 drivers, with Austin Hill contesting both the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and a host of team changes heading into the weekend.

Kevin Magnussen’s first NASCAR Cup Series race ended in controversy after a multi‑lap battle with Noah Gragson resulted in a crash, a middle‑finger gesture and a 90‑second pit‑lane confrontation.

Early forecasts suggest several drivers will advance from the opening round at Sonoma, shaping the bracket for the $1 million prize.

The 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will race at Sonoma Raceway this Saturday, featuring a competitive lineup of 38 cars and three full‑time Cup Series drivers.