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In-Season Challenge Hosts Battle Of The Chases At EchoPark Speedway

by racerx55 July 12, 2026 0 comments

By Matthew Thomerson/TheFourthTurn.com

Hampton, Ga. – The In-Season Challenge heads to EchoPark Speedway on Sunday, with two drivers who share the same name facing off with much on the line. 

NASCAR’s summertime event, now in its second year, enters the third of four races leading up to the finale at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With $1 million available to the winner and the chaotic racing we’ve come to expect at the Georgia oval, there’s bound to be some wildness.

That wouldn’t be the word to describe the drivers named Chase in the field, as they are two of the more low-key personalities in the series. However, Chase Elliott and Chase Briscoe have proven that if something is on the line, they are willing to risk it all. The goal on Sunday is simple: finish ahead of the other driver, and you advance onwards to the semi-final round. 

A big question is how much focus will be put upon that, and then the other long-term goal of getting stage points and maximizing the day on that front. Neither driver made it this far last year, and each wants to leave their mark on this year’s version.

“Uh, yeah, I think for myself, I’m just kind of focused on trying to get the best result that we can,” Briscoe said. “You know this is we’re more probably truthfully worried about the points battle, and trying to get into the top-five in points, but certainly as you kind of wind down and get closer to that final matchup, I think it’s impossible to not think about it a little bit. Just with what’s at stake.”

Elliott holds a similar opinion on approaching the Quaker State 400 available at Walmart on Sunday. 

“Yeah, I mean, same thing that he said,” Elliott said. “You know, if we go collectively as a team, if you go to do your job, you’re going to take care of the in-season challenge thing too. Yeah, that’s kind of where my mind’s at, trying to survive the carnage that I’m sure is inbound for all of us tomorrow night and hopefully be rolling there at the end and have a shot.”  

EchoPark Speedway is the one wildcard track within the challenge, and that means the contenders still alive have to be extra careful not to put themselves in a bad spot or get involved in others’ mess. 

Both Briscoe and Elliott have the experience factor on their side, and it is expected they’ll be able to manage the race while thinking of the challenge. With a big prize and pride on the line, any outcome is a possibility; we’ll just have to see which Chase prevails. 

Elliott will roll off the grid in seventh, and Briscoe will start the race in 20th.

The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart will broadcast live on TNT at 7 p.m. ET.

Photo Credit: Hunter Thomas/TheFourthTurn.com