This weekend in Atlanta marks the start of NASCAR’s in-season tournament, spanning five Cup Series races at Atlanta, Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis. The event uses a knockout format inspired by international soccer and the NBA’s new playoff style, with drivers competing in elimination rounds leading to a final showdown at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. One of the most anticipated matchups in this bracket features Ross Chastain facing off against Erik Jones in the tournament’s upper half.
While Chastain stands eighth in the overall Cup Series standings and Jones is currently eighteenth, their positions in the tournament bracket differ slightly, with Chastain seeded thirteenth and Jones twentieth. This faceoff grants the winner a crucial step toward the coveted $1 million prize.
Chastain Committed to Racing Hard Without Sacrificing Friendship
Ross Chastain emphasized that although the competition will be fierce, his friendship with Jones remains intact. He stated,
“I know I’m not going to push that #43 car. Eric and I are buddies, but yeah, definitely not going to push him at the end of the race. So, looking for a bow tie first and my teammates if I’m pushing somebody, and the last person on my list is that #43.”
Chastain praised Jones’s ability on Atlanta’s high line, recognizing the strength of Jones and his Legacy Motor Club teammates. He noted,
“Eric and that I mean they’re rolling right now and all of Legacy is, and we see it at several different style tracks.”
He further highlighted Jones’s skill in maintaining speed and grip on Atlanta’s tricky surface, explaining,
“Eric always performs well here in Atlanta and rips the top like he can run the top, and kind of cleans it off, it seems like when it’s still pretty dirty and slick. He’s not afraid, so he puts it right up there. We’ll see long 400 miles tomorrow night.”
Despite the tournament’s elimination style, Chastain said it hasn’t changed his team’s approach: “We can’t try any harder.” He added that if Jones happens to be near him on race day, he won’t ease up, viewing the #43 car as just one of many challenges on the track.
Erik Jones Expresses Focused Optimism for the Tournament
Erik Jones spoke recently with SiriusXM NASCAR about his mindset going into the in-season tournament, acknowledging he plans to give it his best effort but does not let the event overshadow his overall goals. He sees value in the tournament’s distinctive format, which brings different track styles into play and opens the door for unexpected contenders to claim the prize.
Jones particularly praised Atlanta’s layout for creating a more level competitive field, stating that many drivers have legitimate chances to win. With realistic expectations, he aims for a solid performance this weekend to build momentum.
Coming off a confidence-boosting top-10 finish at Texas, Jones is encouraged by his team’s improved vehicle speed on intermediate tracks. A recent social media post captured his thoughts:
“Erik Jones finished fifth at Texas for his first top-10 of the season. He said he felt the car had more speed than he typically has had on intermediate tracks. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/pbudNs3VZ0”
The progress at Texas represents a positive step for Jones, who views consistent improvement as more important than chasing a single tournament victory. Staying on course and building steady results remain his key objectives through this part of the NASCAR season.
What This Rivalry Means for the Remainder of the Season
The highly anticipated matchup between Ross Chastain and Erik Jones in the NASCAR in-season tournament spotlights both drivers’ determination to compete at their best while maintaining respect off the track. This event introduces an exciting new dimension to the Cup Series, blending knockout intensity with traditional racing strategy over five pivotal races.
As the tournament progresses through diverse venues like Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and ends at Indianapolis, fans will watch closely to see if either Chastain or Jones can harness this momentum toward the $1 million prize and a strong season finish. Their shared professionalism and competitive spirit underscore the balance of rivalry and camaraderie central to NASCAR’s evolving race formats.