The 2026 In-Season Challenge is down to two drivers. On Sunday night, NASCAR went from four to two drivers with Ryan Blaney and Todd Gilliland making the championship race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Blaney beat Christopher Bell, while Gilliland pulled off the upset over Chase Elliott.
After Bell’s brake issues and Alex Bowman’s crash, the No. 20 car got stuck two laps down, pretty much ending his chances. Meanwhile, Blaney started in the rear and made his way to the front, only to get dinged with a speeding penalty. Ultimately, it was enough to advance to the finale.
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Elliott suffered the same fate as Bell after Bowman’s wreck. The Hendrick Motorsports driver was never able to get back on the lead lap, and Gilliland had better track position after the incident. Now, Blaney and Gilliland will battle it out for the $1,000,000 prize at Indianapolis this weekend.
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This article originally appeared on Motorsports Wire: NASCAR sets championship battle for 2026 In-Season Challenge
