The stage is set for an electrifying night at Atlanta's EchoPark Speedway as the inaugural In-Season Challenge kicks off with high-octane head-to-head matchups. The 1.54-mile track, poised to witness a 260-lap showdown, sets the stage for a bracket-style battle where 32 drivers will vie for the coveted title and a cool $1 million prize.
Kicking off this innovative race format are 16 pulsating matchups, promising no shortage of thrills and spills. Based on recent performances, Denny Hamlin arrives as the top seed, ready to take on Ty Dillon in the opening round. As drivers push their limits, only the best-finishing ones will carry their ambitions to the next round at the Chicago Street Race.
This race heralds a new broadcasting chapter with TNT taking the helm for the upcoming five-race series. This follows the five contests recently delivered through Prime. Post-TNT's stint, NBC Sports will capture the excitement of the final 14 Cup races.
Key Timings (Eastern):
START: Engines roar to life at 6:59 p.m., with the green flag expected to be waved at 7:10 p.m.
PRERACE: Garage opens at 4 p.m., followed by a drivers meeting at 6:05 p.m. Drivers introductions are at 6:30 p.m.
The 260-lap race covers 400.4 miles around the historic oval. Stage actions peak with conclusions at Lap 60 and Lap 160, ensuring a relentless pace.
The full entry list is available and comprises 40 cars raring to contend at EchoPark Speedway. Coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. courtesy of TNT, with truTV offering a dedicated broadcast for the In-Season Challenge. Radio enthusiasts can tune into Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio for live updates.
Weather Watch: Keep tabs on the skies with forecasts predicting partly cloudy conditions with evening showers and scattered thunderstorms. Expect temperatures around 82 degrees and a rain chance of 37% at the race's onset.
Last season’s race concluded with a dramatic flourish as Christopher Bell seized victory by leading only the pivotal final lap, narrowly edging past Carson Hocevar and Kyle Larson amidst the chaos of the last caution on February 22, 2025.
