NASCAR in-season challenge: What is it and who are the Round 1 matchups?

NASCAR's in-season challenge has arrived, but what exactly is it all about? But before we get into specifics, let's be clear that this has no bearing on the actual championship in any way, shape or form.

The purpose of this bracket-style tournament is simply to provide some added excitement and engagement for fans, while also awarding a $1 million dollar prize to the driver who actually wins it.

Your next question is likely about how it works. Well, the top 32 drivers in points (as of three weeks ago) get to take part. So no Shane van Gisbergen, who only broke into the top-32 after winning in Mexico City. Each week, two drivers will face off against each other in a bracket similar to what you'd see for March Madness. To advance forward, a driver simply has to finish ahead of whoever they are facing that week. Points scored are not a factor in the final outcome.

This tournament lasts five weeks for the entirety of TNT's run as they plan to broadcast a handful of NASCAR Cup races this summer between Prime Video and NBC. It will go through Atlanta, Sonoma, Chicago, Dover, and end with the final two drivers facing off in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.

Denny Hamlin is the No. 1 seed, but in case you were looking to bet on a long shot, the No. 32 seed is Ty Dillon. Now, here's a look at who is actually facing who this weekend:

Round 1 matchups -- NASCAR Cup at Atlanta (EchoPark Speedway)

Denny Hamlin vs. Ty Dillon

Kyle Busch vs. Brad Keselowski

Alex Bowman vs. Joey Logano

Bubba Wallace vs. Daniel Suarez

John Hunter Nemechek vs. Josh Berry

Chase Elliott vs. Austin Dillon

Ross Chastain vs. Erik Jones

Christopher Bell vs. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Chase Briscoe vs. Noah Gragson

Ryan Preece vs. William Byron

Ryan Blaney vs. Carson Hocevar

Kyle Larson vs. Tyler Reddick

Michael McDowell vs. AJ Allmendinger

Ty Gibbs vs. Justin Haley

Zane Smith vs. Austin Cindric

Chris Buescher vs. Todd Gilliland

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