Ty Dillon Claims Dramatic Win Over Bowman at Sonoma to Reach Semifinals

Ty Dillon of Kaulig Racing — entering as the 32nd seed — has stunned the racing world with a dramatic victory over Alex Bowman at Sonoma Raceway.

Dillon — who previously eliminated Denny Hamlin in Atlanta and Brad Keselowski in Chicago — had to directly battle the Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet in the closing laps of the race.

In the final lap, both drivers engaged in intense combat — Dillon delivered a bump in the hairpin turn and made contact on the exit before passing Bowman moments before the finish line.

“It was a rough couple of laps,” said Dillon. “If it wasn’t for the million dollars, I probably wouldn’t have done that, but I had to. This is an incredible opportunity for Kaulig Racing.”

Both drivers showed sportsmanship by shaking hands and chatting after the race. Dillon will now face John-Hunter Nemechek from Legacy Motor Club at Dover, while Tyler Reddick will battle Ty Gibbs in the other semifinal.