The NASCAR In-Season Challenge is back for its second year, promising intense competition and high stakes. This five-week tournament, broadcasted by TNT Sports features a single-elimination bracket format where drivers face off each week, culminating in a final showdown at the Brickyard 400 on July 26 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Last year, the tournament saw an exciting finale with Ty Gibbs emerging victorious over Ty Dillon securing the $1 million prize. While the challenge doesn’t impact the championship standings, it undoubtedly influences how drivers approach their races against each other.
The Road to Sonoma: Initial Matchups
The first round of the challenge takes place at the sonoma raceway road course. The seeding is based on the points standings following the Pocono race. Here are the initial matchups:
- Tyler Reddick (No. 1) vs. Alex Bowman (No. 32)
- Denny Hamlin (No. 2) vs. Ty Dillon (No. 31)
- Ryan Blaney (No. 3) vs. Josh Berry (No. 30)
- Chase Elliott (No. 4) vs. Noah Gragson (No. 29)
- Ty Gibbs (No. 5) vs. Austin Dillon (No. 28)
- Kyle Larson (No. 6) vs. Riley Herbst (No. 27)
- Chris Buescher (No. 7) vs. John Hunter Nemechek (No. 26)
- Daniel Suarez (No. 8) vs. Todd Gilliland (No. 25)
- Carson Hocevar (No. 9) vs. Zane Smith (No. 24)
- Christopher Bell (No. 10) vs. Ross Chastain (No. 23)
- William Byron (No. 11) vs. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (No. 22)
- Chase Briscoe (No. 12) vs. A.J. Allmendinger (No. 21)
- Bubba Wallace (No. 13) vs. Michael McDowell (No. 20)
- Shane van Gisbergen (No. 14) vs. Ryan Preece (No. 19)
- Erik Jones (No. 15) vs. Joey Logano (No. 18)
- Austin Cindric (No. 16) vs. Brad Keselowski (No. 17)
Jimmie Johnson Joins TNT Sports as Analyst
TNT Sports is enhancing its NASCAR coverage by adding Jimmie Johnson a seven-time Cup Series champion, to its studio team. Johnson, who previously worked as a NASCAR analyst at NBC Sports after retiring from full-time racing in 2026, expressed his excitement about the new role.
“Joining TNT Sports is an opportunity that truly energizes me,” Johnson said. “NASCAR has given me so much throughout my career, and getting the chance to share that passion from a new perspective alongside a fantastic team of NASCAR legends is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Johnson will make his TNT Sports debut on June 28 during the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway. He will also be part of the studio coverage for the races at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19 and the championship event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26. All races will be broadcasted on TNT and streamed on HBO Max.
Additional Talent and Coverage Enhancements
Joining Johnson is Marty Smith from ESPN, who will serve as a pre- and post-race host during the five-race series. Smith will anchor coverage alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr.Steve Letarte and Jamie McMurray. Jeff Burton a former NASCAR driver, will fill in as a studio analyst for the races at Chicagoland Speedway on July 5 and Atlanta Motor Speedway on July 12.
TNT Sports is also introducing fresh technology for its NASCAR coverage this season. The broadcaster will utilize 40 cameras spread across the track, including ultra-slow-motion technology and drones at three events: Sonoma, North Wilkesboro, and Indianapolis. All races will be available in 1080p HD, with enhanced replay abilities and angles. Additionally, TNT will add new NASCAR-related content to HBO Max.
The In-Season Challenge continues to be a highlight of the NASCAR season, offering fans a unique and exciting format to enjoy the sport. With the addition of Jimmie Johnson and other talented analysts, TNT Sports aims to deliver a thrilling and comprehensive viewing experience.
