AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Tyler Reddick has made NASCAR history. He just became the first Cup Series driver to win the first three races of the season.
On Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas, Reddick held off Shane van Gisbergen for the final 20 laps. Reddick’s earlier victories include the Daytona 500 and a race in Atlanta, and now he has added a win on this challenging road course. Notably, he drives for 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. As Reddick crossed the finish line, a jubilant Jordan was there to celebrate.
“This win is huge,” Reddick said. “It’s fitting to make history like this.”
Reddick’s team has seen remarkable success not just on the track but also off it. After securing a significant legal victory over NASCAR, they managed to establish a stable franchise. This success has propelled them forward in the racing scene.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built,” Jordan said. He credited co-owner Denny Hamlin for much of the team’s achievement. “I just put up the money; Denny’s done an incredible job.”
Reddick’s current winning streak has given him a commanding 70-point lead in the championship standings. Van Gisbergen aimed for an impressive sixth consecutive road win but fell short. “Tyler was just amazing,” he admitted. “You’re always disappointed with second when expectations are high.”
Interestingly, Reddick’s latest victory marked his 11th career win and his second at COTA. This shows just how skilled he has become at this track, which is also known for hosting Formula 1 races. Although he appeared to have everything under control, Reddick stayed focused. “Minimizing mistakes was key,” he noted.
Jordan, known for his calm under pressure during his basketball days, observed Reddick’s composure. “Even with Shane closing in, Tyler stayed cool,” he said.
A Tough Weekend for Some
Not everyone had a great experience this weekend. Connor Zilisch, a rookie driver for Trackhouse Racing, came in hoping to challenge van Gisbergen. However, after a rough start and multiple spins, Zilisch finished 14th.
Hendrick Motorsports had its own challenges. Alex Bowman had to leave his car due to illness, leading to Myatt Snider stepping in with little preparation. Meanwhile, Brad Keselowski managed to race despite recovering from a broken leg, finishing in 20th place.
What’s Next?
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 8. Last year, Christopher Bell claimed victory there, becoming the first driver to win three races in a row in the NextGen car.
As the season progresses, fans are eager to see if Reddick can keep his winning streak alive. The competition is fierce, and every race brings new surprises.
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