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Tyler Reddick overcame mechanical issues and a late deficit to win at Darlington, securing his fourth victory of the season and earning praise from Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan with 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick (X/NASCAR)
It wasn’t quite a six-for-six moment like Michael Jordan, but Tyler Reddick delivered when it mattered and made his team owner proud.
At Darlington Raceway, famously dubbed the “Track Too Tough To Tame”, Reddick had to battle more than just his rivals.
From a malfunctioning battery to a failed cooling suit that left him overheating in the cockpit, it was anything but a smooth ride.
Add to that a significant gap to the race leader with under 50 laps remaining, and the odds weren’t exactly in his favour.
But Reddick had other ideas.
“I know never to give up,” he said after the race. “I think it’s very fitting that when we finally get our first win here at Darlington, that ‘The Lady in Black’ would test us like that. We’ve been so close so many times.”
From Pole to Commanding Win
Starting on pole for 23XI Racing — co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin — Reddick led 77 laps in the No. 45 Toyota.
After his final pit stop, he hunted down Brad Keselowski and surged clear, eventually crossing the line with a dominant 5.847-second advantage.
The victory marked his fourth of the season and the 12th of his NASCAR Cup career.
Jordan’s Seal of Approval
For Jordan, who has been present for every one of Reddick’s wins this season, the performance was all about composure.
“Pretty sure it’s frustrating for him because he had an unbelievable car, and I think the key to him winning was just keeping his head,” Jordan said.
“We just had to get the car right… once he gets back out there, then I feel like his competitive juices are going to carry him all the way to the end.”
A Historic Start to the Season
Reddick’s form this season has been nothing short of remarkable.
After opening the year with a Daytona 500 win, he became the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of a season.
With four wins in the first six races, he now joins legends like Dale Earnhardt and Bill Elliott in elite company to pull off the same feat.
(with AP inputs)
March 23, 2026, 18:37 IST
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