According to a new report, some NASCAR drivers are approaching the upcoming in-season/race tournament with a relaxed and even confused demeanor.
"I don't understand how brackets work."
"I don't know how it works."
"I don't really know anything about it."
The #NASCAR in-season tournament will create drama with an extra $1 million on the line, but drivers are downplaying it as seeding approaches.https://t.co/7b5afe962O— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) May 29, 2025
The Jun. 28 NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway kicks off TNT’s five-race coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR’s new $1 million in-season tournament.
This tournament pits 32 drivers head to head through the five races on the TNT schedule, until finally two drivers go head to head during the Brickyard 400 for $1 million.
With seeding set to begin next weekend in Michigan, most fans would expect drivers to be nervous about their results heading into the tournament, hoping to maintain their top-32 spot in the standings.
However, according to a new report from John Newby of AltDriver, some NASCAR drivers are not enthusiastic about this tournament.
According to the drivers cited in this report, Chris Buescher, Bubba Wallace, Ty Dillon, and Denny Hamlin, drivers are either not too concerned with the tournament or flat-out confused.
Buescher and Dillon seemed unaware of or unable to understand the format, with Buescher saying, “It’s not something I’m aware of. I don’t even know how it goes.”
Hamlin and Wallace seemed focused on having a good run during the summer rather than changing for this tournament. Though Hamlin showed some appreciation for the tournament, saying, “I think it’s going to be great for the sport. Certainly, storylines to talk about, and suddenly a battle for 15th will matter.”
While these comments may not be the most encouraging about how seriously the drivers will take the tournament, the tone of these drivers and others could change when it comes to game time with $1 million on the line.
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