Joey Logano is determined to capitalize on NASCAR’s new In-Season Challenge after narrowly missing out on prize money in the 2025 All-Star Race. The Team Penske driver now views this mid-season tournament as his prime opportunity to win $1 million and regain momentum in the NASCAR season.
The In-Season Challenge is a single-elimination bracket involving the top 32 drivers based on points following the June 30 race in Nashville. Seedings are assigned according to drivers’ best finishes in three preliminary events held at Michigan on June 8, Mexico City on June 16, and Pocono on June 22. For Logano, competing for the million-dollar prize brings a familiar sense of urgency and motivation.
“With this in-season tournament, there’s a million bucks on the line. That’s plenty for me to go to work. I don’t need more. Like, I get it, you see how upset I was at the All-Star race. Like, it’s the same number. So I’m going to be in here,” Logano said on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Earlier in 2024, at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Logano battled closely with Christopher Bell for a million-dollar reward. Although Logano led a race-high 139 laps, Bell surged from sixth place to win, nudging past Logano with just ten laps remaining to claim the prize money. This near-miss fuels Logano’s desire to seize the In-Season Challenge payout.
The tournament unfolds over five races broadcast on TNT and streamed on Max, starting with a head-to-head bracket-style format at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta on June 29. Winners will progress through rounds at Chicago (July 6), Sonoma (July 14), and Dover (July 20), culminating in a final showdown at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27 for the $1 million cash prize.
“I’m excited about (it), I think it’s something great. It gives us something to talk about this point of the year, outside of just the teams that are trying to make the playoffs, the guys that are already in the playoffs… I think it’s a great idea, something I’m excited to see how it plays out,” Logano added.
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Logano has also expressed hope that the In-Season Challenge becomes a recurring event to maintain excitement during the regular season’s middle stretch, adding a new storyline apart from the traditional playoff battles.
Logano Seeks Momentum and Better Seeding at Pocono
After two of the three seeding races, Joey Logano currently holds the 27th position in the bracket and faces the possibility of a round–one matchup against Chase Elliott. His performances at Michigan and Mexico City placed him outside the top 20 in both events, making it critical to score well in the final seeding race at Pocono to improve his standing.
Despite this, Logano’s April victory in Texas has already secured his spot in the playoffs, allowing him to focus specifically on improving his In-Season Challenge seed without worrying about points for the championship. Denny Hamlin leads the seedings, even skipping the Mexico City event to be with his family during the birth of his son. Chris Buescher ranks second, followed by Christopher Bell, with the Pocono results set to finalize the tournament lineup.
Pocono International Raceway, known for its distinctive triangular shape, presents a unique challenge for competitors. Speaking on ESPN’s First Take with Stephen A. Smith and Shae Cornette, Logano shared his perspective:
“Pocono hasn’t been one of our strongest tracks at the moment. I feel like last year we finished fifth here, which is not too bad. But, it’s a challenging track. It’s actually shaped as a triangle. So it’s not an oval like we typically race on… It’s a two and a half mile triangle. Every corner is a lot different. So, trying (to) set up the car to be good in every corner, it’s kind of hard to do.” (2:45 onwards)
— Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
Logano has compiled one win in 29 starts at Pocono, but the added incentive of the $1 million prize intensifies his motivation to improve his form on this demanding course. The Great American Gateway 400 will begin at 2:00 PM ET on June 22, marking his crucial opportunity to climb the seeding ranks.
Looking Ahead to a High-Stakes NASCAR Summer
The introduction of the In-Season Challenge adds a thrilling dimension to NASCAR’s regular season, offering drivers outside the playoff hunt an alternative path to a major financial reward. For Joey Logano, this tournament represents a chance to rebound after his disappointment at the All-Star Race and further energize his campaign.
With the series heading into high-stakes matchups across diverse tracks such as Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and finally Indianapolis, the tournament promises intense competition throughout the summer. Logano’s performances in these events will not only determine his chance at the million-dollar prize but also influence momentum as the season progresses toward the playoffs.
As the events unfold, fans and drivers alike will closely watch how Logano and other top competitors navigate this novel format, potentially reshaping mid-season narratives and setting the tone for NASCAR’s championship push.