The NASCAR Cup Series In-Season Challenge has reached its final four, with the competition set to culminate at the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. For the first time in three decades, this iconic track is hosting a points race, adding an extra layer of excitement to the tournament.
The final four drivers—Todd GillilandRyan BlaneyChase Elliott and Christopher Bell—bring a mix of youth and experience to the table. With an average age of just 29.7, this group represents the future of NASCAR, each with a strong background in short-track racing that could prove crucial on North Wilkesboro’s unique 0.625-mile layout.
The Road to the Final Four
The journey to the final four has been anything but straightforward. Tyler Reddick the top seed, was eliminated in the first race at Sonoma. Denny Hamlin another top contender, was sidelined at EchoPark Speedway, the same track that ended his run in the 2026 competition. Alex Bowman the last seed, also fell victim at EchoPark, leaving Gilliland as the lowest remaining seed.
Gilliland, now in his fifth full-time season in the Cup Series, is the youngest of the final four. Born after the speedway’s closure in 1996, he joins Elliott, Blaney, and Bell, who were mere toddlers when the track last hosted a Cup Series race. This generational gap adds a fascinating dynamic to the competition, as the younger drivers bring fresh perspectives and modern techniques to the historic venue.
Short-Track Expertise
The final four drivers share a common thread: their extensive experience in short-track racing. Gilliland, Elliott, and Blaney all cut their teeth in Legends Cars before transitioning to Late Models. Blaney’s impressive resume includes winning the 2010 Champion Racing Association Southern Six-Pack Championship and the 2011 PASS South Super Late Model title. Elliott, a two-time winner of the prestigious Snowball Derby has also claimed championships in the Georgia Asphalt Pro Late Model Series and the CRA National Super Late Model title.
Gilliland, while not chasing Late Model titles, made his mark by winning back-to-back NASCAR K&N Pro Series West championships in 2016 and 2017. Bell, on the other hand, hails from a dirt racing background, where he won numerous national Midget championships and the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals. With Chevrolet, Toyota, and Ford each represented in the final four, the competition is set to be a thrilling showcase of talent and strategy.
Weekend Matchups
As the final four drivers prepare to face off, the matchups are shaping up to be intense. In the first showdown, Todd Gilliland will take on Chase Elliott. Elliott, known for his Late Model roots, has a proven track record at North Wilkesboro, having won a Super Late Model Pro All Stars Series race there at just 14 years old. His extensive track time this weekend, including competing in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model event, could give him a significant edge.
The second matchup pits Christopher Bell against Ryan Blaney. Bell, who won last year’s All-Star race at North Wilkesboro, is coming off two consecutive runner-up finishes and is eager to prove himself without the hindrance of a cast on his broken left wrist. Blaney, however, is on a roll with eight consecutive top-10 finishes and is responsible for Ford’s last six victories. Despite Toyota’s strong performance this season, Blaney’s recent form makes him a formidable opponent.
As the NASCAR Cup Series In-Season Challenge reaches its climax, all eyes will be on North Wilkesboro Speedway. With a mix of young talent and seasoned veterans, the final four drivers are poised to deliver an unforgettable showdown on one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks.
