How 2026 NASCAR In-Season Challenge works

Get excited, bracket enthusiasts: NASCAR's In-Season Challenge returns in 2026. After an exciting showing during the inaugural 2025 event, fans can expect similar upsets and thrills this time around, with the elimination-style action beginning at Sonoma Raceway on June 28. Bookmark this page and refer back to it often for information on how this year's event works, from the format to how you can get involved with the In-Season Bracket Challenge. RELATED: NASCAR In-Season Bracket Challenge page What is the In-Season Challenge? The In-Season Challenge is a 32-driver, single-elimination tournament that takes place over five NASCAR Cup Series races on TNT Sports. The driver with the better finish in each matchup advances to the next round. When does it start? The first In-Season Challenge race is June 28 at Sonoma Raceway. Which drivers will qualify? Whereas last year's In-Season Challenge had seeding races, this year's format has been simplified: drivers earn their spots based on the Cup Series points standings after Pocono Raceway (June 14). How is the bracket seeded? Seeding -- from the top-overall seed to 32nd -- will be based on drivers' positions in the standings following Pocono.

When can I fill out my bracket?

Registration for the In-Season Bracket Challenge begins June 8 at 9 a.m. ET. Bracket selections open June 15 at 9 a.m. ET, and completed brackets must be submitted by June 28 at 3:25 p.m. ET.

What tracks are in the In-Season Challenge? Sonoma Raceway (June 28), Chicagoland Speedway (July 5), EchoPark Speedway (July 12), North Wilkesboro Speedway (July 19) and Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26). How do drivers advance? Drivers advance by finishing higher than the other driver in their respective matchup. This head-to-head, elimination-style format will continue until just one driver remains.

What happens if a driver misses a race?

If a driver in a matchup misses a race entirely for any reason, the opposite driver in that matchup will advance. If a substitute driver is needed during Rounds 1-4, the driver of record can advance if that entry completes more laps than the driver it is matched against.

What does the winner get? The winner receives $1 million and, of course, bragging rights. Ty Gibbs won the 2025 In-Season Challenge. How can I watch? All five In-Season Challenge races will air on TNT Sports, making up this year's portion of the network's broadcast schedule. For more information on how to watch NASCAR on TNT Sports, continue reading here. How can I get involved? The NASCAR Cup Series 2026 In-Season Bracket Challenge is open for registration, giving you the opportunity to compete against other fans for the chance at prizes. Entrants must log on to or register with NASCAR.com. How long is the registration period? The registration period runs from June 8 at 9 a.m. ET until June 28 at 3:25 p.m. ET, which is the time by which completed brackets must be submitted. Bracket selections open June 15 at 9 a.m. ET. Can I create my own league? Yes, you can create your own In-Season Bracket Challenge league. So gather a group of bracket aficionados and see if you can be the best in your pool. What is the scoring format for the 2026 In-Season Bracket Challenge? Entrants will earn points for each correct pick in their bracket entry. For Round 1, 10 points will be awarded for each correct pick. In Round 2, 20 points will be awarded, with 40 and 80 points following in Rounds 3 and 4, respectively. A correct pick in the final round is worth 160 points. What can I win? Prizes will be awarded to the top three eligible entrants who accumulate the largest sum of points in the 2026 In-Season Bracket Challenge. The top prize winner will receive $10,000, while the second- and third-place winners will receive $5,000 and $2,500, respectively. Additionally, if an eligible entrant correctly predicts the outcome of every matchup, a grand prize of $1 million will be awarded. If more than one entrant submits a perfect bracket, the $1 million prize will be split equally among those confirmed winners. If no entrant ends the 2026 In-Season Bracket Challenge with a perfect bracket, no grand prize will be awarded. 2026 IN-SEASON CHALLENGE SCHEDULE [table id=729 /]