NASCAR has announced plans for an in-season tournament starting in 2025, with Atlanta Motor Speedway set to host the opening race. This innovative tournament is set to add a fresh layer of competition and unpredictability to the sport, drawing inspiration from similar events in other sports leagues like the NBA.
The tournament, which is expected to feature the top 32 drivers from three seeding races, will be a five-race, bracket-style competition that will be televised by Amazon Prime. The drivers will be paired in head-to-head matchups based on seeding, with the winners advancing to the next round in a bracket format that mirrors the NCAA basketball tournaments. The field of contenders will be reduced to 16 for Race 2, followed by the quarterfinals in Race 3, the semifinals in Race 4, and the final in Race 5.
The winner of the tournament will receive a $1 million prize, adding a significant financial incentive to the high stakes of the competition. This tournament is part of a new media rights deal that includes TNT, which will broadcast all five races in the tournament.
Atlanta Motor Speedway, known for its thrilling races and high banking, has been chosen to kick off the tournament on June 28, 2025. This race will also mark the return of NASCAR to TNT for the first time since 2014. The event, dubbed Atlanta's Night Race, will be a 400-mile thriller under the lights, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans and drivers alike.
"It's never been a better time to be a fan of motorsports, and this new, first-ever in-season tournament will bring a new competitive dynamic to NASCAR's summer race weekends," said Craig Barry, executive vice president and chief content officer of TNT Sports.
The tournament's announcement has been met with excitement from fans and drivers alike. Atlanta Motor Speedway's second NASCAR event of the 2025 season, which was previously a playoff opener, will now be part of this high-stakes tournament, adding a new dimension to the track's racing calendar.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and innovate, the in-season tournament represents a significant step forward in its quest to offer fans and drivers a dynamic and thrilling racing experience. With Atlanta set to host the first race, the stage is set for a historic and unforgettable season in 2025.
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