NASCAR’s first in-season tournament adds some drama to the Cup Series finish in Chicago

NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge is heating up as the competition narrows down to the final eight drivers vying for the $1 million prize. Ty Gibbs, Alex Bowman, Bubba Wallace, John Hunter Nemechek, and others are still in the running after some intense head-to-head matchups in Chicago.

In a surprising turn of events, Zane Smith upset Chris Buescher to advance to the next round, where he will face off against Gibbs at the upcoming road race in Sonoma. The tournament, part of a new media rights deal with TNT, has added an extra layer of excitement to the Cup Series races.

Despite the focus on the tournament, drivers like Bowman and Wallace found themselves battling it out on the track, adding even more drama to the already intense competition. With the field narrowed down and the stakes high, fans can expect more thrilling moments in the final races at Dover and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

One of the most anticipated matchups in the next round is between Nemechek and Jones, teammates at Legacy Motor Club. Preece, Reddick, Dillon, and others are also gearing up for tough battles as they aim to secure their spot in the final rounds of the tournament.

As the competition intensifies, drivers are embracing the challenge and looking forward to the opportunity to showcase their skills on the track. With the tournament format adding a new dimension to the races, fans can expect more excitement and unpredictable outcomes in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for more updates on NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge as the drivers gear up for the next round of intense competition. Follow all the action on AP auto racing coverage for the latest news and highlights from the track.