Following a chaotic NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where incidents involving Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin caused multiple eliminations, Hamlin has placed high expectations on Tyler Reddick’s chances in the $1 million mid-season tournament. During the latest episode of his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin shared his forecasts for the competition’s upcoming rounds, focusing heavily on Reddick.
Hamlin envisions a showdown between Reddick and Chase Elliott at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway finale, anticipating that Reddick will emerge victorious. He also predicts that his 23XI Racing teammates, Bubba Wallace and Chris Buescher, along with Elliott, will advance to the fourth round at Dover.
We’re looking at a (Tyler) Reddick – (Chase) Elliott (final at) Indy and Reddick ends up winning. I know y’all are going to say I’m such a homer, but I’m using my brain… that’s my pick. Reddick beats Elliott with the final four being Bubba (Wallace), Elliott, (Chris) Buescher and Reddick.
—Denny Hamlin, via Actions Detrimental Podcast
Hamlin’s confidence in Reddick reflects his belief in the driver’s skills and the improvements made by the 23XI Racing team’s vehicles this season.
Key Challenges Ahead for Reddick and 23XI Racing Drivers
For Hamlin’s prediction to materialize, these competitors must navigate tough matchups in the next round at Chicago Street Circuit. Reddick will face Spire Motorsports’ young talent, Carson Hocevar, which marks a competitive battle though Reddick is favored due to his Toyota team‘s recent performance advantages.
Chase Elliott’s next adversary is John Hunter Nemechek, who is expected to struggle against Elliott’s car advantage. Likewise, Chris Buescher will contend with Zane Smith in what is likely an even contest, though Buescher possesses a slight edge in vehicle capability and driving acumen.
Bubba Wallace confronts the stiffest competition, matched against Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports. Bowman’s strength on road courses and better-performing car present a significant obstacle for Wallace, testing his ability to keep pace in this field.
Tyler Reddick Reflects on Atlanta Race Despite Top-5 Result
Although Hamlin endorses Reddick’s prospects, the driver himself expressed disappointment following his recent top-5 finish at Atlanta. He acknowledged that a strategic error during the race cost him potential victory against Chase Elliott, despite his No. 45 Toyota showing strong speed.
We were really solid. Just made the wrong move at the wrong time. Most of the night if I sat and waited, I’d get shuffled back. Just needed to be a little bit smarter with my move on (Brad Keselowski). It got us shuffled too far back to fight for the win.
—Tyler Reddick
Reddick admitted that missing out on a win was frustrating but appreciated earning valuable playoff points, which contribute to his standing as the season progresses. However, he remains concerned because new winners keep appearing, and his own winless streak threatens his chances of making the playoffs.
Disappointing for sure, but it was nice to get a playoff point. Score some points at a speedway. More and more new winners, so we’ve got to find a way to victory lane.
—Tyler Reddick
Significance of 23XI Racing’s Growing Competitiveness
Comments from both Hamlin and Reddick underscore the strides the 23XI Racing team has made in improving their car’s performance this season. This progress elevates their chances not only in individual race outcomes but also in securing the championship title. As the mid-season tournament intensifies, the potential for Reddick to break his winless streak and claim the $1 million prize remains a compelling storyline.
With formidable competition ahead, the coming races at Chicago Street Circuit and Dover will be critical in determining whether Hamlin’s bet on Reddick pays off. Observers will be watching closely to see if 23XI Racing’s drivers can meet or exceed these high expectations as the season unfolds.
