Monday, December 29, 2025

John Hunter Nemechek Throws Shade at Ty Dillon Ahead of $1M NASCAR In-Season Challenge Face-Off

John Hunter Nemechek recently took a pointed jab at Ty Dillon ahead of their head-to-head match-up in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge, scheduled for next week at Dover. This rivalry has gained attention as both drivers prepare to compete in Round 4 of the high-stakes event.

Nemechek’s comment came shortly after Dillon’s remarks regarding Hendrick Motorsports’ public relations team surfaced online. The back-and-forth follows Dillon’s controversial move during the Sonoma Raceway Cup Series race, where he bumped Alex Bowman on the final lap to secure his advance into the next round of the challenge.

In that Sonoma race, Dillon’s aggressive maneuver pushed Bowman wide, allowing Dillon to finish ahead and clinch his spot. Dillon later commented on the encounter in an interview, addressing Hendrick’s PR team.

“I do have to give a shout-out to Hendrick’s PR department and let them know. The glass slipper fit one last time,” Dillon said in an interview, as per NASCAR.

Responding to Dillon’s statement on social media, Nemechek quoted the post with a subtle retort:

“Key word: last.”

Having already qualified for Round 4 after defeating his Legacy Motor Club teammate Erik Jones, Nemechek has added fuel to the brewing competition with Dillon, setting the stage for an intense showdown at Dover.

Ty Dillon Expresses Determination Before Challenging Round at Dover

After the Sonoma Raceway race, Dillon openly discussed his commitment to capturing the In-Season Challenge title and the accompanying $1 million prize. He emphasized his willingness to push hard despite the risks involved.

Ty Dillon
Image of: Ty Dillon

“It was a rough couple of laps there. Alex [Bowman] and I race really clean. I told him — man, if it wasn’t for the million dollars, I probably wouldn’t have done that, but I had to. It’s been an incredible run for this No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet team.

“We’re going to give it all we’ve got at Dover; put pressure on the guys. I think you’ve seen through this that our team doesn’t quit. I saw the No. 48 there at the end, and I knew it was our opportunity to race hard and go get him. Just proud of this team’s effort.”

Along with Nemechek and Dillon, Tyler Reddick and Ty Gibbs have also secured places in Round 4 by defeating Ryan Preece and Zane Smith, respectively. The upcoming race, known as the AutoTrader Echopark Automotive 400, will take place on Sunday, July 20, starting at 2 PM ET in Dover.

Rising Stakes and What to Watch for in the Challenge’s Next Phase

The growing rivalry between John Hunter Nemechek and Ty Dillon adds an extra layer of intensity to the NASCAR In-Season Challenge as Round 4 approaches. Both drivers have shown strong performances and fierce determination, underlining the competitive nature of the tournament.

The upcoming race at Dover will be crucial in deciding who moves closer to the coveted $1 million prize. Expectations are high for aggressive but strategic racing given the stakes, as each driver aims to outpace the others in this knockout phase.

This round will also highlight the resilience and tactics of the competing teams, such as Kaulig Racing and Legacy Motor Club, whose efforts are critical in supporting their drivers’ success. Fans can anticipate a challenging and suspense-filled race, making the July 20 event a key moment in the ongoing season.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?

A. Recently, it was revealed that Dillon is the dad of Leah Barnes’s new baby, James, on the Channel 4 soap. After a time skip of a year in the series, Leah had her baby. Many of the people in the village thought Charlie Dean, who is currently not present in the show, was the baby’s father.

Q. Does Ty Dillon have kids?

A. The couple had a daughter named Oakley Ray Dillon on November 20, 2017. They later welcomed a son, Kapton Reed Dillon, on October 29, 2020.