eNASCAR Playoffs head to Michigan; Minter seeks redemption

The 2026 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Championship Series Playoffs begin Tuesday night at Michigan International Speedway, with ten drivers competing for four remaining seats at the Championship table. The three-round playoff format will also visit Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway before concluding at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, where the winner of the Dale Earnhardt Jr Cup will be crowned.

Michigan holds particular significance for the playoff field. Last year, Steven Wilson claimed victory at the track after a late-race caution reset the field, ultimately propelling him to the championship title and an eighth win of the season—a single-year record. Tucker Minter dominated that race but saw his points advantage evaporate following an ill-timed spin in overtime. Minter will have a chance for redemption on Tuesday, though Wilson's dominance last season—he won eight races across the 18-race 2025 campaign—sets a high bar for the field.

Meanwhile, Garrett Manes claimed his first Championship Series victory at the Daytona regular-season finale after a four-year drought. Manes came back from a lap-down penalty to finish second, then inherited the lead when fuel-related issues struck the field on the final lap, securing his first win in 80 attempts. The William Byron eSports Bracket Challenge will also conclude at Michigan, with Parker White and Connor Yeroschak facing off in the final round.

Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET on eNASCAR.com/live and iRacing social media channels, with the Countdown to Green pre-race show starting at 7:45 p.m. ET. Following Michigan, the playoffs continue September 15th at Texas Motor Speedway.