In the midst of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs, former driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed reservations about Tyler Reddick’s playoff chances despite his teammate Bubba Wallace’s recent surge. Both 23XI Racing drivers, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, are advancing into the Round of 12 this weekend, but the outlook for Reddick appears less promising compared to Wallace, according to Earnhardt Jr.
Following the Round of 16, Bubba Wallace in the #23 Toyota Camry XSE and Tyler Reddick in the #45 Camry have both secured spots in the next stage of the playoffs. Wallace holds the eighth position in the playoff standings, maintaining a slim points advantage above the cutoff line. Meanwhile, Reddick remains in 12th place, trailing three points below the critical threshold, putting his advancement at risk.
Bubba Wallace’s Strong Momentum in the Playoffs
Bubba Wallace has demonstrated significant improvement this season, capturing his first win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dale Earnhardt Jr. remarked on Wallace’s progress with clear admiration. He noted:
“Bubba’s really kind of turned it up another notch this year. Seems like, since Indy, he’s sort of switched into another gear that I’ve never seen him really have before. Deserves to be up there. Can do it. Should be able to do it.” Dale Earnhardt Jr.
This acknowledgment highlights Wallace’s evolution, suggesting he may continue to be a strong contender in the playoffs. With his current standing and performance, Wallace’s momentum is poised to make a significant impact as the championship rounds unfold.
Questions Surrounding Tyler Reddick’s Prospects
In contrast to Wallace’s upward trajectory, Tyler Reddick’s performance has left Dale Earnhardt Jr. concerned about his competitiveness moving forward. Earnhardt Jr. openly expressed his doubts about Reddick’s speed and ability to keep pace with playoff demands. He shared:
“Reddick worries me a little bit. I don’t see the speed that I think that they’re capable of.” Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Despite being teammates under the 23XI Racing banner, Reddick has yet to claim a victory this season, which intensifies scrutiny on his ability to advance deeper into the playoffs. His position just below the playoff cutoff places added pressure on both his driving and team strategy in the upcoming races.
Denny Hamlin Leads Playoff Standings
Aside from the 23XI Racing duo, fellow Toyota Camry XSE driver Denny Hamlin has been dominant throughout the season. Currently, Hamlin leads the playoff points table with a substantial 26-point cushion over the cutoff line, reflecting his consistency and competitive edge heading into the critical stages of the Cup Series. His performance sets a high standard as others fight for their place in the championship chase.
2026 Cup Series Schedule Brings Notable Changes
Looking beyond this season, NASCAR’s upcoming 2026 Cup Series schedule has introduced changes that have captured widespread attention. One significant adjustment is the relocation of the All-Star Race. Traditionally held at North Wilkesboro Speedway, this event will take place at Dover Motor Speedway in 2026. This alteration repositions North Wilkesboro Speedway as a points-paying venue, restoring its role with added importance in the championship framework.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed enthusiasm about the schedule overhaul, highlighting the return to North Wilkesboro Speedway as a win for both the community and NASCAR fans. He tweeted:
“The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.” Dale Earnhardt Jr.
In addition, the 2026 schedule incorporates two scheduled breaks during the regular season. The first break will follow the Martinsville Speedway event in March, while the second will occur after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race in July. These intermissions are set to provide drivers and teams with valuable rest periods, potentially influencing strategies and performance throughout the season.
Implications for the Playoff Contenders and NASCAR’s Future
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s candid observations underscore the contrasting playoff trajectories within the 23XI Racing team, with Bubba Wallace emerging as a genuine threat and Tyler Reddick grappling with uncertainty. Wallace’s newfound confidence and speed offer hope for a strong playoff run, while Reddick faces significant challenges to secure his place in subsequent rounds.
Meanwhile, the 2026 schedule changes signal NASCAR’s effort to refresh its calendar and engage fans by restoring historic tracks and introducing strategic breaks. These updates are likely to influence competition dynamics and fan engagement in the coming years, promising an evolving landscape for drivers and spectators alike.
As the 2025 Cup Series playoffs progress into the Round of 12, all eyes will remain on how Wallace and Reddick perform under pressure, with the former showing the tangible potential that Dale Earnhardt Jr. endorsed, and the latter striving to prove critics wrong. NASCAR fans will look forward to thrilling races ahead, driven by high stakes and passionate contenders.
Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain — who advances and who doesn't? 😬 @DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/yFsmHewzhS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 19, 2025
