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Todd Gilliland Wins Brickyard 400 Challenge, Bags $1 Million

7/27/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Gilliland Wins Million

Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports) won the NASCAR In-Season Challenge at the Brickyard 400, securing a $1 million prize.
Gilliland finished 24th and beat heavy favorite Ryan Blaney, who dropped to 26th after John Hunter Nemechek tapped his splitter.
Entering as the 25th seed, Gilliland eliminated four opponents and said the $1 million will likely be his biggest payday.

Summary

NASCAR Removes Busch

The Brickyard 400 concluded the regular-season schedule before a four-week off-week leading into the final four events and the Chase.
Tickets began at $45, with children 15 and under admitted free with an adult ticket.
Fans could watch via Sling’s free trial, TNT, TruTV, Max’s in-car feed, IMS Radio Network or SiriusXM 90.
After NASCAR driver Kyle Busch’s death, NASCAR removed him from the weekly driver standings, as noted in the points release.

History

Historical Context

On February 18 2001 Dale Earnhardt died in the Daytona 500, prompting NASCAR to revamp safety. By October 17 2001 Bill France Jr. mandated HANS devices for all three national series, and the organization added SAFER barriers and the Car of Tomorrow. The changes followed an 18-car, lap-173 crash that highlighted the need for stronger protection.

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Gilliland Wins Million

Todd Gilliland (Front Row Motorsports) won the NASCAR In-Season Challenge at the Brickyard 400, securing a $1 million prize.
Gilliland finished 24th and beat heavy favorite Ryan Blaney, who dropped to 26th after John Hunter Nemechek tapped his splitter.
Entering as the 25th seed, Gilliland eliminated four opponents and said the $1 million will likely be his biggest payday.

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