Ty Gibbs, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), secured a $1 million prize by winning the NASCAR in-season tournament on Sunday at the Brickyard 400. Gibbs emerged victorious against underdog Ty Dillon in the final, showcasing skill and perseverance throughout the event. The intense competition, held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, culminated in Gibbs taking the championship title and honoring Dillon with a charitable gesture.
Ty Gibbs’ Path to Victory and Charitable Commitment
Throughout the tournament, Ty Gibbs displayed steady performance, especially in the closing stages. Despite a modest 21st place finish at the Brickyard 400 race itself, Gibbs’ combined results were sufficient to claim the overall in-season tournament title. After his win, Gibbs announced plans to donate $10,000 of his prize money to a charity chosen by Ty Dillon, demonstrating sportsmanship and respect toward his competitor.
“I’m going to give $10,000 to wherever Ty Dillon wants to choose to give to charity… Super cool. Very honored to be in this position. Thank you to all of NASCAR and TNT Sports for allowing us to be able to do this. It’s awesome to win this and super cool to be in this position.”
—Ty Gibbs, driver
Although Gibbs admitted he wasn’t initially focused on winning the tournament, his approach shifted as he recognized his chances in the later rounds. He described the in-season challenge as a unique aspect of NASCAR competition, appreciating its format and intense prize.
“It’s super cool. I didn’t really focus on it for the first three weeks, I would say. Our goal, of course, is to go in and do the best we can. The last week and this week is kind of where I started to pick it up, okay, well, if we beat these guys, we can go win a million dollars. It’s a really cool deal that they put on, and hopefully they keep doing it.”
—Ty Gibbs, driver
Ty Dillon’s Unexpected Tournament Run and Final Defeat
Ty Dillon, driving for Kaulig Racing, was a surprising force in the tournament, knocking out top competitor Denny Hamlin in the first round. Dillon’s performance sparked hope that he might claim the title, especially as he advanced into the final matchup. However, a difficult start in the Brickyard 400 race hindered his chances, forcing him to settle for 28th place and the runner-up spot in the tournament.
Reflecting on his loss, Dillon expressed frustration but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the in-season competition. He attributed much of his defeat to an unfortunate incident on a restart, which damaged his car and put him at a disadvantage against Gibbs.
“Disappointing, obviously, but things like that happen. You can’t predict everything. I think that’s what’s been so cool about this In-Season Challenge for everybody. I just hate that we didn’t get to give him a run for it there… And I think if all things are equal (and) we don’t knock the nose off on that restart, [we’re] probably sitting in a good position, put a lot of pressure on him and race him out pretty solid.”
—Ty Dillon, driver, as quoted by Crash.net
Significance of the Tournament and What Lies Ahead
The 2025 NASCAR in-season tournament once again highlighted the excitement and competitiveness inherent in modern motorsports, especially with a format that offers a lucrative reward to the winner. Ty Gibbs’ $1 million prize and accompanying honors—a black-and-gold trophy, commemorative ring, and wrestling-style championship belt—underscore the importance of the event in the NASCAR calendar.
Ty Dillon’s breakthrough performance also carries significance beyond this race. Demonstrating the ability to outperform seasoned veterans like Hamlin positions Dillon as a rising star and valuable contender in future NASCAR championships. His strong showing could lead to enhanced opportunities within Kaulig Racing or greater recognition across the sport.
With the tournament format well-received by drivers and fans alike, the NASCAR community seems optimistic about continuing this annual event, which builds additional excitement throughout the racing season and rewards consistent performance across multiple race weeks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Ty Dillon’s wife?
A. Taylor leaves Dillon to coach the Pemberton Pioneers in Philadelphia because Tami, his wife, received a job opportunity there.
Q. Who is older, Austin or Ty Dillon?
A. The elder Dillon sibling, who is 27 years old, nearly chose a different path instead of pursuing a racing career like his 25-year-old brother Ty.
