By Roy J. Akers- www.skyviewsports.net
A Denny Hamlin suggested has turned into a million dollar purse and an in season tournament beginning in 2025. TNT will broadcast a 2025 in season tournament and NASCAR has announced Atlanta Motor Speedway will be the kickoff race. Atlanta has also been chosen as hosting the night race to start the five race tournament.
The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will also be the opening race in NASCAR’s first-ever bracket-style, in-season tournament. Thirty-two drivers will battle head-to-head throughout the five races on TNT Sports, with the winner receiving a $1 million prize. The prior three races on Amazon Prime Video will set the seeding for the in-season tournament.
“The energy and the atmosphere a night race at Atlanta brings is second to none,” said Brandon Hutchinson, Atlanta Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager. “That’s why our fans have been telling us they want the night race back in Atlanta, and we’re thrilled to make it happen.”
The presence of Dale Earnhardt Jr., who revealed he will join the TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video broadcast teams next season, will only add to the excitement.
Atlanta Motor Speedway has a history in the Cup Series dating back to 1960 and has been the site of many dramatic moments, including the three-wide photo finish in February when Daniel Suárez edged Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch for the victory.
Atlanta also was the site for what many consider to be the greatest NASCAR race of all-time — the 1992 Hooters 500 — when Alan Kulwicki won the championship despite Bill Elliott taking the checkered flag in Richard Petty’s final race and the first race for future HOF driver Jeff Gordon.
Atlanta is hosting its first night race after a one year hiatus.
For TNT, the race will kick off the return of their coverage with a marquee event. With the possible addition of the Chicago Street Race and Brickyard 400 to TNT’s schedule — and hence, the schedule of the In-Season tournament itself — the media giant could have quite the lineup for its five-race slate. Of course, the 2025 NASCAR schedule is unknown, but even Atlanta will be a big draw for fans. Making the race take place on Saturday night also fills a major void in the NASCAR schedule, as the only Saturday night race present on 2024’s schedule is the Bristol Night Race on Sept 21.
As far as the In-Season Tournament goes, having the first race of the event at a Superspeedway will ensure that all 32 eligible drivers will have a shot at victory lane and, thus, a chance at advancing to the next round of the tournament. For underdog drivers and teams, a superspeedway to start the five-race bid for $1 million is a huge chance to make some noise in what will undoubtedly be a competitive summer stretch. Eliminated drivers will continue their weekly journey in NASCAR racing weekly and a second chance to make the season ending ten week playoff chase.
If an underdog driver — say, a No. 16 seed matched up against a No. 1 — was to capture the checkered flag at Atlanta, not only would they lock up a spot in the playoffs, but increase their chances of earning a $1 million bonus.
With the added drama of the In-Season Tournament, there’s no doubt that Atlanta will once more be must-see TV in 2025.
More must-reads:
- NASCAR taking page out of the NBA’s book with 2025 in-season tournament
- Week 13 NASCAR power rankings: Two drivers racing up the top 10
- The ‘Daytona 500 winners’ quiz