Reddick Makes NASCAR History
Tyler Reddick became the first driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to win the opening three races of a season, taking the Circuit of the Americas victory for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing. The historic three-peat opener hasn't happened in 77 years of NASCAR, with Reddick outdueling Shane van Gisbergen in a late charge.
The victory at the Circuit of the Americas was Tyler Reddick's second at the track, making it the first venue where he has multiple Cup Series wins. This win also snapped a 38-race winless streak for Reddick, with his last victory coming in the 2024 season. The historic third consecutive win gives him a commanding 70-point lead in the driver's championship standings. The team, 23XI Racing, is co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and current driver Denny Hamlin. The name itself is a nod to Jordan's iconic No. 23 and Hamlin's No. 11. The organization, which began competing in 2021, has quickly become a powerhouse in the sport. Jordan was present at the track to celebrate the historic moment with the team. The driver Reddick held off, Shane van Gisbergen, is a three-time Australian Supercars champion known for his road course prowess. The New Zealander had won five of the last six road course races in the Cup Series heading into the event at COTA. Van Gisbergen's impressive resume also includes a victory in his Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, making him the first driver to do so in the modern era. Reddick's win at COTA was a dominant performance where he started from the pole position and led a race-high 58 of the 95 laps. While van Gisbergen mounted a significant challenge in the final stage, Reddick was able to pull away in the closing laps to secure the victory by nearly four seconds. This victory was particularly meaningful for Reddick, who had expressed his desire to beat the formidable van Gisbergen on a road course.
