Indianapolis, Indiana – As the NASCAR Cup Series roars toward the heart of summer, fans and drivers alike are turning their attention to a brand-new twist in the 2025 season: the In-Season Challenge. With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway set to host the finale during the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27, the stakes have never been higher. At the end of it all, one driver will leave the legendary Brickyard with a $1 million bonus — and it won’t be because they won the race outright.
The In-Season Challenge is a single-elimination showdown featuring the top 32 drivers in points following the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 1. These drivers were seeded based on their best finishes during three key races held at Michigan International Speedway, Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City, and Pocono Raceway throughout June.
From here on out, it’s head-to-head battles. At each of the upcoming races, starting Sunday, June 28 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta Motor Speedway), each driver must simply finish ahead of their paired opponent to advance. All of these duels take place during standard Cup Series events, so fans can watch the drama unfold without any extra laps or gimmicks.
“The goal was to add an extra layer of excitement during the regular season and give fans more to watch in every lap,” NASCAR officials said in a release. “And there’s nothing like racing for a million dollars.”
By the time the series reaches Indianapolis, only two drivers will remain from the original field of 32. They’ll race alongside the rest of the Cup field, but with a unique prize of their own in sight — whoever crosses the line first between the two earns the $1 million payday. It’s a high-stakes twist that adds new meaning to every position on the track.
The road to the Brickyard won’t be easy. After Atlanta trims the field to 16 drivers, the Chicago Street Course on July 6 will halve it again to 8. Sonoma Raceway will host the quarterfinals on July 13, and Dover Motor Speedway will determine the final showdown pair during the race on July 20. Each matchup becomes more intense as the stakes rise.
The first-round matchups are already set, with notable pairings including Denny Hamlin taking on Ty Dillon, Kyle Larson going up against Tyler Reddick, and Chase Elliott facing Austin Dillon. Other eye-catching duels include Kyle Busch vs. Brad Keselowski and Bubba Wallace vs. Daniel Suarez — both with deep histories and plenty of pride on the line.
Here’s a look at a few of the top matchups to watch:
• No. 1 seed Denny Hamlin will have to fend off No. 32 Ty Dillon in what looks like a lopsided pairing on paper — but anything can happen in a single race.
• Former champions Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski will square off in a first-round clash that feels more like a late-round showdown.
• Rising stars like Ty Gibbs, Zane Smith, and Carson Hocevar will look to make their mark early by knocking off more experienced competitors.
Importantly, the Brickyard Weekend will offer more than just the million-dollar drama. The NASCAR Xfinity Series will also return to IMS for the Pennzoil 250, ensuring a full slate of high-speed action across the July 26–27 weekend.
Tickets and full schedule information for the Brickyard 400 and related events can be found at IMS.com. As the Challenge rolls on, every turn, pass, and pit stop will carry more weight — not just for points, but for pride and a massive payout.
With the clock ticking toward the July 27 finale, fans can expect fireworks — both literal and metaphorical — as drivers chase glory and a million reasons to celebrate.
