A Historic Achievement in NASCAR
Tyler Reddick made history on Sunday at Kansas Speedway, becoming the first driver since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to win five of the first nine races in a NASCAR Cup Series season. This accomplishment is especially remarkable because Earnhardt went on to win the 1987 championship by a staggering 489 points over Bill Elliott. If Reddick’s No. 45 team continues to perform at the same high level, he could be on a similar path to success.
Reddick’s victory came after a dramatic final lap where he overtook Kyle Larson to claim the win in the AdventHealth 400. The win not only solidified his position at the top of the standings but also highlighted the team’s strong performance through the first quarter of 2026.
“I’m loving that we’re seeing the fruits of that hard work paying off right now,” Reddick said after the race. “If anything, I think a couple weeks ago or couple wins ago, the question was, Now you’ve won two or three, do you settle in, get in a good rhythm and go? No. It’s let’s take advantage of how well we’re working together right now, see if we can continue to get the points, get the wins, while everyone is trying to figure it out and get it.”
A Versatile Winner
One of Reddick’s most impressive traits this season has been his ability to win in various ways. He has dominated races at COTA and Darlington, fought his way to victory with a damaged car at Atlanta, and taken advantage of opportunities at both Daytona and Kansas. His versatility has made him a formidable competitor in every race.
During the Kansas event, Reddick lost the lead to Denny Hamlin in the closing laps before his Toyota encountered an issue, causing him to hit the wall. Initially, he thought he was out of fuel, but whatever the problem, it seemed to threaten his chances of victory. However, a caution with two laps remaining sent the race into overtime, re-racking the field and giving Reddick a chance to make a move.
“Incredible job of just getting the most out of it, finding the right spot to put his car into side draft, take the air block, once he got clear, all that stuff, masterfully,” said Billy Scott, the crew chief on Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota. “I think he was a little more determined.”
A Special Connection with Michael Jordan
Reddick’s success has not gone unnoticed, particularly by 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan. Jordan has been present for all five of Reddick’s victories this season, and their partnership has become a key part of the team’s success.
“I mean, you can’t really discredit that,” Reddick said. “I mean, it’s been pretty successful. I think the only one we didn’t win for him was Phoenix. I kind of joked about it. When the boss is here, we got to deliver for him. If he’s going to come hang out with us, take the time to be part of it, you want to reward his commitment to this team.”
Jordan’s presence and support have clearly played a role in Reddick’s continued dominance. As the season progresses, the commitment from Jordan and the entire 23XI team is becoming more evident, further solidifying Reddick as a top contender for the Cup Series title.
Looking Ahead
With a 105-point lead going into the next race at Talladega, where Reddick won in 2024, the momentum is clearly on his side. The team’s strong performance and Reddick’s determination have set the stage for what could be a historic season.
As the 2026 season unfolds, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if Reddick can maintain his incredible pace and make history in the Cup Series. With each race, he continues to prove that he is not just a rising star but a true champion in the making.
