INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time in Cup Series history, NASCAR has crowned an in-season challenge winner. Ty Gibbs has won the $1 million prize, as well as a championship belt.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver was one of two competitors eligible for the in-season challenge crown after four weeks of competition. He went up against Kaulig Racing's Ty Dillon, who had started out as the last seed in the 32-driver field before advancing through the rounds as the Cinderella story.
Don't spend the $1,000,000 in one place, @TyGibbs. 🤑 pic.twitter.com/E1HlrHqPkK
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) July 27, 2025
These drivers did not need to contend for the race win to capture the $1 million prize; they just needed to race each other. Whoever finished best would win the in-season challenge.
While Gibbs and his team struggled with some strategy, they gained an advantage early in the race. A stackup on the stage 2 restart damaged the No. 10 of Dillon, which forced the Kaulig Racing driver to make extra pit stops as the race progressed.
Dillon ultimately ended the race three laps behind the leaders and in 28th place.
Gibbs had to give up a better finish to pit for fuel when the race headed into double overtime. He crossed the line in 21st place, but it was good enough for him to capture a significant prize, one he truly wanted to show off to media members after the race.
The Joe Gibbs Racing driver scored a championship ring and a championship belt bearing the AEW (All Elite Wrestling) logo.
The first thing Ty Gibbs asked when he walked into the media center was “will you be able to see this?” He really wanted to show off his championship belt.
He also let @zachstur and I hold it. It’s heavy. pic.twitter.com/vvvNiRtzDA— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) July 27, 2025
"Super nice pieces of stuff, but the belt is nice too," Gibbs told media members after capturing the in-season challenge. "So super cool to have it and I really like it. I'll wear around for the rest of (the day). It's kind of heavy. So it's legit. It's a legit one."
Before heading into the media center to show off this championship belt, Gibbs took part in a unique celebration. He stood on a balcony overlooking some fans and began tossing fake money into the crowd.
This was not the original plan; he had to adapt after some unexpected hurdles.
"They brought me money guns (which malfunctioned) so I had to take all the money and throw it on the fans," Gibbs said. "And then I think they were all wrestling and fighting over it so I kind of was like, 'All right, let's not get anybody hurt here."
So what will Gibbs do with his real money? He obviously won't get the full $1 million, but he will deposit a significant amount into his account. The check goes to the team owner. The driver gets a set portion based on his contract. The owner determines where the rest goes.
While Gibbs is a noted art collector, he won't be dropping a large chunk of change on a new piece to hang above the fireplace. He says he already has too much art in his collection.
Instead, he will send some money to a charitable organization. He just needs Dillon to direct the funds to the well-deserving recipient.
"Our sponsor Saia challenged Ty Dillon's sponsor, whoever loses gets $10,000 for Toys for Tots," Gibbs said. "And so I want to put another $10,000 on top of that wherever Ty Dillon wants it to go.
"It's his choice. So super cool to be in this position."