The energy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway didn’t just come from the high-speed strategy battles or roaring crowds; it came from something new. NASCAR’s In-Season Challenge has added mid-year intensity with a bracket-style competition for a $1 million payout. This innovative move boosted summer race viewership, especially among younger audiences, as they engage with head-to-head matchups. And the 5-race battle culminated in a matchup of underdogs between Ty Gibbs and Ty Dillon at the Brickyard 400.

The 22-year-old Gibbs showcased consistent speed, effective pit stops, and top-10 finishes throughout the tournament, bolstering his shot at the million dollars. Meanwhile, his competition was the ultimate underdog. The 32nd-seeded Ty Dillon toppled giants like Denny Hamlin and Brad Keselowski with a slice of luck on his side, but improved on his average finish throughout the challenge to set up the finale. However, the clock struck 12 on Ty Dillon’s Cinderella run as Ty Gibbs waltzed out of Indianapolis with a million dollars. However, it was a gesture from Gibbs after the race that caught everyone’s attention.

Ty Gibbs is turning victory into generosity

Ty Gibbs didn’t just win NASCAR’s landmark $1 million In-Season Challenge; he redefined what winning can mean in today’s motorsport landscape. After his 21st-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, guaranteeing him the win as Dillon finished 28th, an excited but composed Gibbs not only expressed his joy about the seven-figure prize but also reinforced a charitable agreement.

“It’s awesome to win this and super cool to be in this position,” Gibbs stated during the post-race interview, before pivoting into more meaningful territory. “I told the broadcast in the other show… our sponsor, SAIA, challenged Ty Dillon’s sponsor; whoever loses gives ten thousand dollars for Toys for Tots. And I wanna put another ten on top of that. Wherever Ty Dillon wants it to go, it’s his choice.”

Ty Gibbs was referring to a creative sponsor-activated side bet tied to the In-Season Challenge final versus Ty Dillon, where the loser’s sponsor committed $10,000 to charity. By independently pledging to match and expand that gift without prompt, and moments after his milestone win, Gibbs added an unexpected layer of generosity that went beyond traditional post-race rituals. His act does not come as something out of the blue for NASCAR teams and drivers.

The NASCAR Foundation held its second annual Giveathon in 2024, where Spire Motorsports was at the center of it with their sponsor, Gainbridge. The goal was to raise $770,000 for charitable organizations, and Spire #77 Carson Hoceavar displayed the names of these organizations during his run at the All-Star Open last year. Now, in 2025, Gibbs and Dillon’s collective effort comes after a successful inaugural In-Season Challenge hosted by NASCAR, further highlighting how the whole sport is dedicated to supporting the right causes while triumphing.

“Super cool to be in this position and very blessed,” Ty Gibbs added. Ultimately, this post-race moment wasn’t just about generosity; it was also a reflection of NASCAR’s shifting tone in 2025. With newer formats like the In-Season Challenge, NASCAR has attempted to bring in younger audiences and shine a spotlight on teams and drivers that aren’t winning every week, like Gibbs and Dillon. The $1 million win will be remembered for the margin of victory, but the $10,000 gesture is what redefined the moment.

Ty Dillon reflected after losing to Ty Gibbs

Following Ty Gibbs’ victory in the inaugural $1 million In-Season Challenge at the Brickyard 400, the underdog on the other side provided a candid and grounded response that underscored the unpredictability and challenges of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ty Dillon, who finished 28th three laps down behind Gibbs’ 21st-place result, acknowledged the disappointment of falling short but emphasized the uncontrollable elements that influenced the outcome.

A restart early in the race saw Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s car hit the wall, but multiple other cars also seemed to be hampered by the accordion effect of the incident, with cars like Austin Dillon’s and Cody Ware’s being called to the pits. Ty Dillon also suffered damage amid all this as he was running at the back of the pack for most of the race. He elaborated on how the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet suffered nose damage, which severely compromised his car’s performance.

“Something happened where it knocked off all the air ducts and pinched off the air so the motor wouldn’t run down the straightaways,” Ty Dillon explained. “Then you are just kind of riding for the rest of the day.” This mechanical setback effectively prevented him from mounting a serious challenge to Gibbs in the final laps. Despite the tough finish, Dillon remained appreciative of the competitive experience and the excitement the In-Season Challenge brought to the sport.

He remarked, “Disappointing obviously, but things like that happen, and you can’t predict everything. That has been what has been so cool about this in-season challenge for everybody.” His comments reflected respect for the new tournament format, which injected fresh energy into mid-season NASCAR racing. Dillon has also gotten to be in the NASCAR spotlight for the last month, something one would not expect from a small team like Kaulig Racing.

It’s safe to assume that the In-Season Challenge was a success on NASCAR’s part. It got fans talking, brackets being busted, a Cinderella story that almost got fulfilled, and a young driver giving back to the community after his moment in the limelight. A win for the sport at the world capital of racing.