Todd Gilliland pulled the upset on Chase Elliott at North Wilkesboro to advance to the NASCAR in-season challenge final.
Gilliland will face Ryan Blaney in the final next week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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Elliott was running in the top five for most of the first 180 laps in the Window World 450, but a caution during green-flag cycle set the No. 9’s effort back. Gilliland, who had not stopped during the cycle, had not stopped while Elliott was two laps down following a stop. Gilliland finished 8th while Elliott ended up 17th.
Blaney had a long day after starting in the rear of the field, then worked around a late pit-road speeding penalty. Bell struggled outside of the top 10 for most of the day.
Here’s the NASCAR in-season tournament challenge results for the semifinals:
RACE RESULTS: Who won NASCAR North Wilkesboro race? Winner is Joey Logano, plus full results
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NASCAR in-season tournament results at North Wilkesboro
25-seed Todd Gilliland (8th) over 4-seed Chase Elliott (17th)
3-seed Ryan Blaney (11th) over 10-seed Christopher Bell (19th)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
A general view during the performance of the national anthem during the NASCAR Cup Series Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19, 2026 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
A general view during the performance of the national anthem during the NASCAR Cup Series Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19, 2026 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
Jul 19, 2026; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA; Wind picks up before the Window World 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
Jul 19, 2026; North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, USA; Press boxes during the Window World 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
(Jim Dedmon, Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
Fans seek shelter ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19, 2026 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
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NASCAR North Wilkesboro race best photos: Ryan Blaney on pole at Window World 450
Fans seek shelter ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19, 2026 in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images)
(David Jensen, Getty Images)
NASCAR in-season tournament matchup for final next week
Finals on July 26at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
25-seed Todd Gilliland vs. 3-seed Ryan Blaney
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR in-season tournament results for semifinals in North Wilkesboro, which drivers are in final
