Looking to spice up the action mid-season, NASCAR added a new wrinkle to its Cup Series schedule in 2025 - the In-Season Challenge.
Ty Gibbs won the inaugural edition of the event in 2025, and such was its success that the In-Season Challenge has been renewed for 2026, meaning Cup Series drivers will once again have the chance to snatch the $1 million prize up for grabs.
But how does it all work? Don’t worry, we’ve got it all covered below.
NASCAR In-Season Challenge explained
NASCAR's In-Season Challenge is a single-elimination, bracket-style tournament that will take place over five races on the 2026 regular season schedule, all of which will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
32 Cup Series drivers are set to compete in the challenge, with the field locked in after the regular season race at Nashville (May 31), and matchups set to be determined by seedings based on the following three races at Michigan (June 7), Pocono (June 14) and San Diego (June 21).
Once the seedings are set, drivers will be placed in head-to-head matchups, with whoever achieves the better finishing position in the matchup advancing to the next round. The losing driver in a matchup will be eliminated.
This means that after each In-Season Challenge race, the field will be halved, with winners advancing and losers being eliminated. For example, 32 drivers are set to compete in round one, 16 in round two, eight in round three, four in round four, before two drivers battle it out in the fifth and final race, the champions round.
NASCAR's In-Season Challenge will be determined by results in regular Cup Series races and is therefore not a standalone event. However, there are no regular season or playoff implications depending on whether or not you win or lose in the In-Season Challenge.
Dates and races
After three seeding races in the regular season races prior, NASCAR's In-Season Challenge is set to kick off at Sonoma on June 28 and run through until Indianapolis on July 26. Between then, there will be races at Chicagoland (July 5), Atlanta (July 12) and North Wilkesboro (July 19) where the In-Season Challenge will be at play.
Please see the full schedule below.
| Round | Venue | Date | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seeding Race 1 | Michigan International Speedway | June 7 | Prime Video |
| Seeding Race 2 | Pocono Raceway | June 14 | Prime Video |
| Seeding Race 3 | San Diego (Naval Base Coronado) | June 21 | Prime Video |
| Round 1 | Sonoma Raceway | June 28 | TNT Sports |
| Round 2 | Chicagoland Speedway | July 5 | TNT Sports |
| Round 3 | EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta) | July 12 | TNT Sports |
| Round 4 | North Wilkesboro Speedway | July 19 | TNT Sports |
| Champions Round | Indianapolis Motor Speedway | July 26 | TNT Sports |
NASCAR In-Season Challenge FAQ’s
Who won the 2025 In-Season Challenge?
The inaugural In-Season Challenge was won by Joe Gibbs Racing star Ty Gibbs, defeating Ty Dillon in the Champions Round.
What is the prize money for the In-Season Challenge?
The winning driver receives a cheque for $1 million.
When does the In-Season Challenge start?
The 2026 In-Season Challenge will begin on June 28 at Sonoma Raceway and conclude at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26.
Who qualifies for the In-Season Challenge?
The top 32 drivers in the regular season standings based on points following the May 31 race at Nashville qualify for the In-Season Challenge.
What TV network is the In-Season challenge on?
All five In-Season Challenge races will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. The three seeding races for the challenge will air on Prime Video.
Where is the final of the In-Season Challenge?
The final - or Champions Round - of the In-Season Challenge will once again take place at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026.
