Ty Dillon faces Denny Hamlin in NASCAR In-Season Tournament rematch
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 7:33 PM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Ty Dillon and Denny Hamlin will compete in the first round of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. Last year's tournament saw Dillon upset Hamlin in an unexpected victory at Echopark Speedway, where Dillon advanced to the final round. Dillon aims to leverage that past success, despite acknowledging the challenge posed by Hamlin, who currently ranks second in points and has been strong in recent races. Hamlin commented on the unique format of the tournament that encourages upsets and creates engaging storylines in the race. Both drivers expressed their intentions to bring their best efforts to the competitive environment.
- •Dillon defeated Hamlin in last year's In-Season Tournament.
- •The rematch takes place on June 29 at Sonoma Raceway.
- •Hamlin is currently second in the NASCAR standings.
- •The In-Season Tournament format promotes upset potential and attention for lower-ranked drivers.
- •Dillon seeks to execute optimally and capitalize on any mistakes by Hamlin.
- 7:33 PMYahoo Sports — Ty Dillon aims to upset Denny Hamlin in first round In-Season Tourney rematch
- 7:33 PMMotorsport.com — Ty Dillon aims to upset Denny Hamlin in first round In-Season Tourney rematch
"In an ironic turn of events, the biggest upset of the first round of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament last year will get an immediate first round match-up on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. No. 2 Denny Hamlin v. No. 31 Ty Dillon There is a caveat in that Dillon bested Hamlin last year in a first-round match-up that took place at highly combustible Echopark Speedway (née Atlanta) where the favorite ...Keep reading
"This is once again a track that invites an upset
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 27, 2026, 7:33 PMTy Dillon aims to upset Denny Hamlin in first round In-Season Tourney rematch
This is once again a track that invites an upset
- Motorsport.comJun 27, 2026, 7:33 PMTy Dillon aims to upset Denny Hamlin in first round In-Season Tourney rematch
In an ironic turn of events, the biggest upset of the first round of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament last year will get an immediate first round match-up on Sunday at Sonoma Raceway. No. 2 Denny Hamlin v. No. 31 Ty Dillon There is a caveat in that Dillon bested Hamlin last year in a first-round match-up that took place at highly combustible Echopark Speedway (née Atlanta) where the favorite ...Keep reading
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