NASCAR has announced the creation of a season tournament for the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. This event will follow a knockout format and will be held over five races scheduled on TNT Sports, with the qualifying races broadcast on Prime Video.
The tournament will feature 32 drivers, competing in head-to-head matchups to advance to the next round. The winner will receive a $1 million prize. Tournament positions will be determined based on the results of three races broadcast on Prime Video. All drivers can participate in these qualifying races, and the top 32 will advance to the main tournament.
This tournament coincides with new media rights partnerships for NASCAR in 2025. “With the launch of our new media partnerships, we are excited to collaborate with Prime Video and TNT Sports on concepts that enhance fan interest,” said Brian Herbst, NASCAR's Senior Vice President of Media and Production.
Craig Barry, Executive Vice President of Content for TNT Sports, added, “This tournament will bring a new competitive dynamic to NASCAR's summer race weekends.” Charlie Neiman, Head of Sports Partnerships at Prime Video, also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.
In November 2023, NASCAR signed seven-year media rights agreements with FOX Sports, NBC Sports, Prime Video, and TNT Sports. Starting in 2025, these partners will broadcast all 38 races of the NASCAR Cup Series. Prime Video and TNT Sports will share 10 mid-season races and have exclusive rights to some practice and qualifying sessions.
What is the tournament?
NASCAR will organize a special tournament during the 2025 season, different from regular races, in a knockout format.
How are the drivers chosen?
32 drivers will be selected based on the results of three qualifying races broadcast on Prime Video.
How is the tournament organized?
Once the 32 drivers are selected, head-to-head matchups will be arranged. The driver finishing in a better position will advance to the next round.
How many rounds are there?
The tournament will have five rounds in total, eliminating half of the drivers each round until only one remains.
What is the prize?
The winner of the tournament will receive a $1 million prize.
When and where will the tournament races be held?
During the five races that TNT Sports will broadcast mid-season in 2025.
Does it count towards the main championship?
No, the tournament races will not affect the regular NASCAR Cup Series championship standings.
Tournament Structure
- Determine the 32 drivers who will compete in the tournament.
- All drivers can participate and positions are determined by their results.
Knockout Tournament
- Once the 32 drivers are selected, head-to-head matchups are organized.
- Drivers will compete in five elimination rounds, with a single final winner.
- The tournament winner will receive a $1 million prize.
Broadcast
TNT Sports will broadcast the tournament races. Prime Video will broadcast the qualifying races.
Race Format
In each tournament race, two drivers compete against each other. The driver finishing in a better position advances to the next round.
Independent of the Championship
The tournament races will not affect the standings or points of the main NASCAR championship.
Focus on Competition
The tournament aims to offer additional competition, separate from the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
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