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Kansas City, KS – Tyler Reddick, driver for 23XI Racing, secured his fifth victory of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at Kansas Speedway, a commanding performance that has not only solidified his championship contention but also earned him effusive praise from team co-owner and basketball icon Michael Jordan. The dramatic overtime win, marked by a last-corner pass on Kyle Larson, underscored Reddick’s remarkable consistency and clutch performance throughout the early part of the season.
Reddick’s current season record of five wins in nine starts – Daytona, Atlanta, Circuit of the Americas, Darlington, and now Kansas – places him in elite company. This level of success has not gone unnoticed by Jordan, who has been a frequent presence on pit road, witnessing each of Reddick’s victories firsthand. The NBA legend’s dedicated attendance at races highlights his deep investment and enthusiasm for the NASCAR venture.
The Kansas Speedway race, however, presented a particularly challenging scenario for Reddick and the No. 45 team. Despite starting from pole position, Reddick faced intense pressure from his teammate and Jordan’s business partner, Denny Hamlin, in the closing laps. The dramatic tension escalated as Reddick’s car sputtered on fumes, and he made contact with the wall, seemingly jeopardizing his chances. Jordan, watching from the pit box, was seen with his hands clasped to his head, reflecting the nail-biting uncertainty of the moment.
A fortunate caution flag ultimately reset the race, pushing the competition into overtime. The subsequent restart proved chaotic, with Reddick briefly falling to fifth place. However, displaying characteristic resilience, he surged through the field, ultimately finding himself in second position behind reigning series champion Kyle Larson as the white flag waved. In a breathtaking display of skill and daring, Reddick executed a bold dive to the inside of Larson on the final lap, making the decisive pass in the final corner to snatch victory.
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Following the race, a jubilant Jordan spoke with NASCAR on FOX, his words conveying both relief and immense pride. "I’m racing against Denny, so I really wanted to beat him because I know we are going to talk a lot of trash a little bit later," Jordan admitted with a smile, referencing the friendly rivalry within his team. He acknowledged the intense closing moments of the race: "It was a good race. When we started to run out of fuel, I didn’t know what was happening, but all the 23XI guys drove well today. We finished — I think — all four cars in the top 15, so that says a lot about the program."
Jordan’s assessment of Reddick was particularly striking. "This kid is on fire. I don’t even know what to say. I don’t know if I can cool him down. He’s unbelievable. That was unbelievable the last couple of laps, and I’m proud of him. I’m proud of the whole team," he stated, emphasizing the driver’s extraordinary current form.
The victory celebration saw Reddick present Jordan with the checkered flag, a symbolic gesture of their shared success. "When you win, it’s always fun," Jordan added, underscoring the team’s overall positive momentum. Reddick now comfortably leads the championship standings by over 100 points, a testament to his consistent high-level performances.
Reddick’s career tally now stands at 13 wins, with an impressive ten of those coming under the 23XI Racing banner since joining the team. This record highlights the formidable partnership between driver and team and positions Reddick as a serious contender for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Founded in 2020 by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing has rapidly ascended the NASCAR ranks. The team’s strategic acquisitions and driver development have yielded significant success, with Reddick’s stellar performance this season being the most prominent example. The team’s strong showing at Kansas, with all four of its entries finishing within the top 15, further validates Jordan’s investment and the team’s competitive strategy.
The 2026 season has been characterized by intense competition across the NASCAR Cup Series. Reddick’s consistent winning streak has set a high bar for his rivals, including Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports, who has been a formidable opponent throughout the season. The fierce battles, such as the one witnessed at Kansas, are indicative of the high stakes and exceptional talent present in the series.
Looking ahead, Reddick and 23XI Racing will aim to maintain this incredible momentum. The championship battle is far from over, and the remaining races will undoubtedly bring further challenges and opportunities for drivers to prove their mettle. However, with five wins already secured and a substantial points lead, Tyler Reddick has firmly established himself as a primary contender, backed by the unwavering support and admiration of his legendary co-owner. The "kid" is indeed "on fire," and the NASCAR world is watching to see if he can maintain this scorching pace to the championship.
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