Luck is definitely on Tyler Reddick’s side, and the 23XI driver’s season just got even better after he scored his 5th win in 9 races, all while fighting off team owner Denny Hamlin, HMS’ Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell.

With two laps to go, Reddick was trailing Hamlin’s JGR Toyota while complaining that he didn’t have any fuel left. It would have been a gut-wrenching defeat, but thankfully for Reddick and 23XI, Cody Ware spun, bringing in a caution that allowed Reddick to pit for fuel.

With the race in OT, Reddick took the win, despite not getting the best restart with Hamlin and Larson initially ahead of him before he zoomed past both to get his fifth win this season.

While the #45 driver is elated, another man was even happier. Trackside was Michael Jordan, who had his heart in his mouth when he heard Reddick over the radio about fuel troubles.

Speaking to FOX’s Jamie Little, MJ said, “When we started to run out of fuel, I didn’t know what was happening. But 23XI, all the guys drove well today.”We finished, I think, all four cars in the top 15. That says a lot about the program. 

MJ didn’t miss the chance to pull some banter on his co-owner Hamlin, who ended the race in 4th. “Look, I’m racing against Denny. So in essence, I really wanted to beat him because I know we’re going to talk a lot of trash a little bit later.”

Reddick Thanks Late Caution for his Fifth Win

While Jordan was elated with defeating his fellow 23XI owner, he was absolutely thrilled to see Tyler Reddick’s form. “This kid is on fire. I don’t know if I can cool him down. He’s been unbelievable,” said Jordan as Reddick presented him with the chequered flag.

Reddick increased his lead out front in the standings, but the last few laps were nerve-racking for the championship leader. He thanked his luck at the end, saying, “Just really blessed with the late caution.”

Reddick had nudged Christopher Bell right before he ran out of fuel in an attempt to take the lead from Hamlin before the caution and expressed he was sorry for the situation he caused because he knew what it’s like to be at the other end. Reddick also said that he didn’t have the best restart, but the call from his pit crew to put two new tires helped him get over the line.

When asked how it is that he gets the race win every time his boss, MJ, is around, Reddick playfully replied, “Got to deliver for Boss Man. If he’s going to come hang out with us, we've got to get him dubs."

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Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi