The 2023 Pocono race is often recalled for the fierce battle between Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin, but it also featured a heated incident involving Austin Dillon and Tyler Reddick. Dillon’s frustration exploded after a collision with Reddick brought his day to an early end in the HighPoint.com 400 on Lap 106 of 160.
Dillon’s Chevrolet was clipped by Reddick’s No. 45 car heading into Turn 1, causing Dillon to spin into the outside retaining wall and stop on the apron. This clash abruptly halted Dillon’s race and ignited visible anger from the driver, who had previously been teammates with Reddick at Richard Childress Racing from 2020 to 2022 before Reddick switched to 23XI Racing for 2023.
Details of the Incident and Driver Reactions
After climbing uninjured from his car and signaling he was okay, Dillon hurled his helmet at Reddick’s vehicle as a clear gesture of his anger, though the helmet missed its target. Medical staff evaluated Dillon at the infield care center and cleared him for safety, but the dispute between the two drivers remained tense.
Dillon insisted that Reddick had moved upward into his lane and denied causing any contact himself. Despite Dillon’s race ending in a disappointing 34th place after starting 23rd, Reddick continued racing and secured a second-place finish behind fellow Toyota driver Denny Hamlin.
In his post-race comments, Reddick chose a calm approach:
First things first, I’m just glad he’s OK. Him and Brad (Keselowski) were on older tires, and I figured I’d take advantage of the momentum that I had and put them in a little three-wide.
—Tyler Reddick, Driver
I was in the bottom lane, and he just tried to I think beat me in the corner a little bit and came down on myself. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late and the contact had already took place,
he added.
Dillon expressed his frustration without holding back:
I was just trying to hit him. I’m pissed I didn’t lead it,
he admitted. On whether his helmet throw settled anything, Dillon responded bluntly:
No, I just need to start wrecking some people.
—Austin Dillon, Driver
Impact of the Collision and What Lies Ahead
This collision highlights the tensions and competitive nature within NASCAR, especially between former teammates and current rivals like Dillon and Reddick. The incident not only cut short Dillon’s race but also further intensified the rivalry between the two drivers moving forward into the season. As both continue to compete in high-stakes events, moments like this underline the pressures each faces on the track.
With Dillon visibly frustrated and Reddick maintaining a composed outlook, fans and teams alike will be watching future races to see if this clash prompts more aggressive competition or a resolve between these drivers.
