Beginning this weekend in Atlanta, NASCAR’s in-season tournament will unfold over five Cup Series events, including stops at Chicago, Sonoma, Dover, and Indianapolis. This knockout-style competition, inspired by formats used in international soccer and recently implemented by the NBA, features five elimination rounds, culminating in the championship race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 27. One of the most anticipated head-to-head contests in the bracket pits Ross Chastain against Erik Jones in the tournament’s upper half.
Ranked eighth overall, Chastain starts with a higher seed than Jones, who is eighteenth in the championship standings. However, the tournament’s specific rankings shift this perspective slightly: Chastain enters at thirteenth seed, and Jones at twentieth, setting the stage for an intense battle as they vie for a chance to advance and compete for the $1 million prize.
Ross Chastain Emphasizes Competitive Spirit and Gymnastics of Friendship
Despite a close friendship, Chastain has made clear that racing at full throttle will take precedence over camaraderie when facing Jones. He remarked,
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.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Highlighting Jones’s strengths on Atlanta’s challenging high lane, Chastain praised both Jones and the Legacy team’s current momentum, adding,
Eric and that I mean they’re rolling right now and all of Legacy is, and we see it at several different style tracks.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
He further noted Jones’s confident handling of Atlanta’s slick top groove, stating,
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.
—Ross Chastain, NASCAR Driver
Chastain also dismissed the idea that the tournament has changed his team’s approach, asserting that no special tactics are planned. While he won’t hold back if Jones’s car challenges him on the track, Chastain views the #43 as a smaller threat within a crowded field, prioritizing teammates over their duel.
Erik Jones Reflects on the Tournament and Personal Goals
Speaking with SiriusXM NASCAR, Erik Jones shared a measured perspective on the in-season tournament, acknowledging his determination while downplaying its overwhelming importance. He is keen to stay competitive and grab any opportunity for victory, recognizing that the tournament’s diverse tracks create openings for unexpected contenders to rise.
Jones welcomed the possibility of an underdog emerging as champion, describing it as a breath of fresh air for the sport’s narrative. He pointed out that Atlanta’s track layout levels the competitive playing field, making every driver’s chances of winning feel legitimate. Appearing cautiously optimistic, Jones aims for a solid weekend performance, feeling buoyed by his recent top-10 result at Texas, which helped restore confidence in his car’s intermediate-track speed.
Highlighting this progress, sports journalist Bob Pockrass tweeted,
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
—Bob Pockrass, Sports Journalist
Jones emphasized that his ultimate focus remains on rebuilding steady momentum for his team over chasing a single tournament win, prioritizing long-term consistency above all else.
What This Tournament Means for NASCAR’s Season and Rivalries
The Erik Jones NASCAR in-season tournament not only raises the stakes for individual races but also places friendships like Jones and Chastain’s under new pressure, testing loyalties against fierce competition. This format introduces a fresh storyline within the Cup Series, as drivers must balance aggressive racing with strategic decisions across multiple events to reach the final showdown.
With five diverse venues shaping the progression toward the $1 million prize, drivers will face varying track conditions and racing styles, heightening unpredictability and engagement. The outcome of this tournament could redefine momentum for key competitors such as Jones and Chastain while engaging fans with knockout-style intensity uncommon in NASCAR.
As the series moves forward, how Jones and Chastain manage their rivalry—and friendship—will likely influence not only their performance but also the evolving culture within the sport. The upcoming Atlanta race signals the first significant test of this novel tournament structure, setting the tone for competitors aiming to make their mark.
