Ty Dillon has become the standout competitor in the inaugural NASCAR In-Season Challenge after top seed Denny Hamlin was eliminated early. As the final seed chosen for the 32-driver tournament, Dillon has defied expectations by defeating some of the event’s highest-ranked drivers, including Hamlin in the opening round.
Key Victories Propel Dillon Deeper into the Competition
The Kaulig Racing driver, grandson of Richard Childress and brother to Austin Dillon, earned the nickname “giant killer” after overcoming Denny Hamlin at Atlanta and then beating No. 17 seed Brad Keselowski in Chicago’s second round. With the field now trimmed to eight drivers, Dillon prepares to face No. 8 seed Alex Bowman at Sonoma’s challenging road course this Sunday.
Bowman has advanced by defeating Joey Logano and Bubba Wallace in earlier rounds. Historically, Bowman has outperformed Dillon, finishing ahead of him in 12 of the 19 Cup races held this year, including four wins to Dillon’s one in their past five meetings. Bowman’s dominance is even more pronounced on road courses, where since 2022 he has finished ahead of Dillon in 13 of 14 events.
Dillon’s Optimism Grows Despite Road Course Challenges
Despite a tougher record on road courses, Dillon remains upbeat about his chances. After his victory over Hamlin, he acknowledged fans of the eliminated driver with a smile:
All you Denny fans out there, I just knocked out your favorite driver,
—Ty Dillon, driver
Following his win over Keselowski in Chicago, Dillon expressed confidence on social media:
I knew in a basketball city going up against Brad (Keselowski) in a game of knockout, I was going to have a good chance.
—Ty Dillon, driver
Dillon must rally his best performance at Sonoma, where Bowman has consistently placed in the top 20, including three such finishes in the Next Gen era. In contrast, Dillon’s best result on this track during the same period is 23rd place.
The Stakes at Sonoma and What Lies Ahead
As the competition narrows, Dillon’s giant-killing momentum and resilience will be tested on one of NASCAR’s most demanding road courses. His success could inspire other underdogs in future events and provide a fresh narrative in the ongoing Cup racing season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he has become a legend. He has won 51 Cup Series races and the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020), earning millions of dollars throughout his career.
Q. Why did Denny Hamlin sue NASCAR?
A. Last year, 23XI and Front Row took NASCAR to court because they didn’t want to sign new charter renewal agreements. They requested a temporary ruling to keep their chartered status for this season. However, on Thursday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, decided in NASCAR’s favor.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. He has earned $65 million through his career earnings, endorsements, team ownership, and real estate investments. The key to his wealth includes: ✔ Big earnings from NASCAR race prizes and contracts. ✔ Long-term sponsorships with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.