NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge: A Look at the Upcoming Matchups
The NASCAR in-season challenge kicked off at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta, where the original field of 32 drivers was narrowed down to 16 after a dramatic first round. The event featured an unexpected 23-car collision, which played a significant role in the elimination of several top contenders. As the competition progresses, the stakes are high, with a chance for one of the remaining drivers to win a whopping $1 million.
The next round is set to take place at the Chicago Street Course, and with rain potentially affecting the race conditions, the outcome remains uncertain. This article will delve into the eight matchups that will shape Round 2 of this thrilling challenge, providing insights into each driver’s strengths and weaknesses as they aim for a place in Round 3 at Sonoma.
Ty Dillon vs. Brad Keselowski
Ty Dillon, representing Kaulig Racing in his Chevrolet, has proven to be a resilient competitor. Coming off a surprising victory over Denny Hamlin in Atlanta, Dillon is now poised to face Brad Keselowski. While Keselowski is a seasoned veteran and a former NASCAR Cup champion, Dillon has been steadily improving on road courses. His performance in the recent Cup race in Mexico City, where he maintained a position in the top ten for a considerable time, showcases his growing prowess. Although Keselowski has more experience, he has encountered difficulties on road and street courses in the Next Gen era, making this matchup highly competitive.
Alex Bowman vs. Bubba Wallace
In this matchup, Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports will take on Bubba Wallace. Bowman, the defending champion of the event, is a force to reckon with on road and street courses. His impressive track record includes a victory in last year’s race, as well as strong finishes in other recent events, with a top ten at COTA and a top five in Mexico City. Conversely, Wallace has shown some improvement on these types of tracks but has yet to secure a better result than 13th at Chicago. Given Bowman’s experience and recent performances, he appears to have the upper hand in this face-off.
Chase Elliott vs. John-Hunter Nemechek
Chase Elliott, a fan favorite and a recent winner at his home track in Atlanta, enters this matchup as a clear favorite against John-Hunter Nemechek. Elliott’s strong showing in Mexico City, where he secured a podium finish, coupled with his previous success on the streets of Chicago, indicates his capability to perform under pressure. Nemechek, while finishing sixth in Mexico City, has struggled in his past appearances at Chicago, placing 35th in his only race there. This stark contrast in their recent performances suggests that Elliott is likely to advance in this contest.
Erik Jones vs. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
The matchup between Erik Jones and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. presents an intriguing dynamic. Stenhouse has a better historical finish at Chicago, with a best result of sixth place, while Jones has only reached 16th. However, both drivers exhibit comparable skill levels, particularly on road and street courses. This contest may come down to which driver can navigate the challenges of the race while avoiding trouble in the middle of the pack. Given the unpredictable nature of racing, this matchup is particularly hard to call.
Ryan Preece vs. Noah Gragson
In a battle between Ryan Preece and Noah Gragson, Preece appears to hold the advantage. Gragson has struggled historically on road courses, famously crashing multiple times during the inaugural Chicago Street Course race. While both drivers have shown similar speeds at Chicago in the past, Preece has shown marked improvement in 2025, winning a stage at COTA and qualifying on the front row in Mexico City. If both drivers can avoid incidents, Preece is likely to come out on top in this matchup.
Tyler Reddick vs. Carson Hocevar
Tyler Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, faces Carson Hocevar in this round. Reddick has the potential to excel at Chicago, having secured a second-place finish last year despite a costly mistake that prevented him from winning. On the other hand, Hocevar struggled to finish within the top 20 in the previous year’s race. Additionally, Reddick’s reputation for having on-track rivalries could pose challenges this weekend. Nevertheless, his experience and past performances suggest he is in a strong position to advance.
Ty Gibbs vs. A.J. Allmendinger
The matchup between Ty Gibbs and A.J. Allmendinger is expected to be one of the most exciting of Round 2. Gibbs has had a challenging 2025 season, but he demonstrated impressive speed in Mexico City, where he was one of the few drivers capable of keeping pace with the eventual winner, Shane van Gisbergen. Allmendinger, recognized as one of the best road racers in the sport, has had a mixed record at Chicago, with his best finish being 17th. Gibbs, having achieved a ninth-place finish in 2023 and a third place in 2024 at Chicago, is tied with Michael McDowell for the best average finish among drivers who have run both Cup races at this venue. This matchup is poised to be a close contest.
Chris Buescher vs. Zane Smith
Chris Buescher of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing will go head-to-head with Zane Smith in this round. Buescher has had a solid performance history in Chicago, finishing tenth in the first Cup race held there and 20th in the following year. Although Smith has bested Buescher in the past, Buescher’s experience as a proven winner on road courses gives him an edge. He notably defeated van Gisbergen in a thrilling head-to-head battle for victory at Watkins Glen last year, a feat that few drivers can claim since van Gisbergen’s entry into NASCAR. This experience could be crucial as they head into battle in Round 2.
The Road Ahead
As NASCAR’s in-season challenge continues, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcomes of these matchups. With significant implications for both the drivers and their teams, the stakes are higher than ever. The unpredictable nature of racing, especially in conditions like rain-soaked tracks, adds an extra layer of excitement. Each driver will need to leverage their skills, strategies, and past experiences to secure their spot in the next round.
As the competition unfolds, the dynamics among the remaining drivers will be crucial to watch. Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the up-and-coming stars, each driver brings a unique set of skills to the track. The upcoming races promise to deliver thrilling moments and unexpected turns, which is what makes NASCAR so captivating for fans and participants alike.
In conclusion, the journey through NASCAR’s in-season challenge is marked by fierce competition and the potential for dramatic upsets. With the next round set to take place at the Chicago Street Course, the outcomes remain uncertain, and anything can happen as drivers vie for the ultimate prize. The stage is set for an exhilarating continuation of this remarkable racing season.
