NASCAR’s new in-season tournament, set to debut in 2025, promises to add an exciting dimension to an already fresh Cup Series calendar. The tournament will feature a 32-driver bracket-style format, reminiscent of the NCAA’s March Madness — but for stock car racing.
With the official release of the 2025 Cup Series schedule, the full picture is now in focus.
The tournament will consist of five races, beginning on June 28, 2025, with a Saturday night race at unpredictable Atlanta Motor Speedway. This event will mark the start of TNT Sports’ coverage of NASCAR, embarking on a return to the sport after a decade-long absence. Following Atlanta, the tournament will move to the Chicago Street Course on July 6, then to Sonoma Raceway on July 13, Dover Motor Speedway on July 20 and conclude at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the annual Brickyard 400 on July 27. The tournament winner will receive a $1 million prize.
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The seeding for the 32-driver bracket will be determined by the results of the final three races aired on Prime Video before the tournament. Drivers will be seeded based on their best finish in the three races (Michigan, Mexico City, Pocono), with tiebreakers determined by the next-best finish, followed by the season points position.
Throughout the tournament, drivers will compete head-to-head, with the highest-finishing driver in each matchup advancing to the next round. The field will be narrowed down from 32 drivers in the opening race to 16 in the second, eight in the third, four in the fourth, and finally, two drivers battling for the tournament win in the fifth and final race.
This format promises to create intense rivalries and potentially pit teammates against each other, adding an extra layer of excitement to the races. It may also influence race strategy as drivers might prioritize beating their head-to-head opponent for overall race position.
This new tournament is sure to enhance fan engagement and create compelling story lines throughout the summer months. It also aligns with NASCAR’s new media rights deal, showcasing the sport’s commitment to innovation and fan engagement with its broadcast partners, both new and old.