NASCAR Introduces “In-season Challenge” Amid High Expectations
The NASCAR world is experiencing a moment of great momentum, driven by its various media partners. In this context, the introduction of the “In-season Challenge” seems to be the perfect time to increase excitement among fans.
Bubba Wallace acknowledged the importance of this new format, highlighting its potential to keep fans more engaged. However, he wasn’t the only one to have the challenge in the back of his mind.
Kyle Larson, who recently attempted “the Double” at the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600, admitted to not having seen much promotion about it, which made it easy to overlook.This new challenge was announced in May 2024, and the drivers have been focused on the second half of the season.
The format is simple: 32 drivers will compete for qualification in the next three races, starting in Michigan and concluding in Pocono on June 22. The qualification will be based on each driver’s best result in the five races, starting in Atlanta.
Then, the challenge will become direct elimination, reducing the group to 16 in Chicago, eight in Sonoma, four in Dover, and the two finalists at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The winner will take home a million dollars, which will undoubtedly capture the attention of the drivers as part of the new media rights agreement that includes TNT.It will be something fun to pay attention to, and there is a good amount of money at stake. So you have to be very consistent throughout the competition.
Kyle Larson
Chris Buescher of RFK Racing, also admitted to not being fully aware of the start of the challenge. The prize is attractive. Joey Logano, compared the prize of this event to the money at stake in the All-Star race, describing this new competition as a “race within a race”.
Denny Hamlin, initially enthusiastic about the “In-season Challenge”, expressed some disappointment upon seeing the included circuits, especially the number of road courses. Brad Keselowski, of RFK Racing, is in the 32nd position, right on the line to be included in the competition. Although he hasn’t paid much attention to the competition, he believes it will be exciting once it begins.
It’s good for the sport, good for our fans, and it’s a competition. If there’s competition, we want to win it. But that being said, I think we’re focused on one week at a time, in a way, one day at a time.
Brad Keselowski
Team Penske Secures Playoff Spot
Following Ryan Blaney’s first win of the season at Nashville Superspeedway, Team Penske has ensured that all three of its drivers are qualified for the NASCAR Cup playoffs, even though it was the first race of the second half of the year.
Blaney joins Austin Cindric and Joey Logano, who have also won races this season. Josh Berry, whose Wood Brothers Racing team has a relationship with Team Penske, also achieved a victory.Michael Nelson, president of NASCAR operations at Team Penske, highlighted the importance of alleviating pressure on the teams, allowing them to take more risks and seek more victories.
