Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace have encountered difficulties sustaining their momentum in the second round of the NASCAR playoffs, with recent performances at New Hampshire highlighting their struggles. As the Round of 12 nears its conclusion, the duo’s grip on advancing further appears increasingly tenuous amid intensifying competition.
Current Standings and Performance Overview
Chase Briscoe presently occupies the final playoff transfer spot, with only two races remaining to secure advancement. Reddick lags 23 points behind the cutoff line, while Wallace trails by 27. Both drivers began this playoff round with promising positions: Wallace held fourth place, enjoying a 50-point lead, while Reddick ranked seventh following strong showings—including a runner-up finish at Darlington and solid performances at Gateway and Bristol.
Setbacks at New Hampshire Undermine Progress
The initial races of the round saw Wallace earn consecutive top-10 finishes before dropping to 34th at Bristol. At New Hampshire, the race turned against both drivers. Reddick suffered brake issues and finished 21st, while Wallace struggled with handling problems despite starting in strong positions of fourth and 14th, concluding the race in 26th place. This event significantly weakened 23XI Racing’s playoff standing.
Upcoming Races Offer Potential for Bounce Back
Kansas Speedway, the venue for the next race, presents an opportunity for both drivers to recover lost ground. Reddick previously secured his playoff spot at Kansas with a victory in 2023, and Wallace triumphed there in 2022, overcoming a sixth-place start and earning strong stage finishes. However, the following race at the Roval adds complexity with its challenging infield hairpin and unpredictable course, demanding heightened precision and skill.
Steve Letarte Credits Drivers Amid Performance Issues
NASCAR analyst Steve Letarte offered a defense of both drivers’ recent struggles at Loudon, noting external factors at play.
“There’s 12 drivers in the playoffs. One has a zero in the win column this year, and it’s Tyler Reddick, and I think he’s a winning driver… They did amazing things last year… they catch up with you eventually. And I think now the #45, his path to advancement, is to go next week and change that zero. Go from a zero to a one… He had a subpar day. It could have been worse. He missed the five,”
Letarte remarked.
Regarding Wallace, Letarte shifted focus to the team’s equipment, stating,
“I don’t put this on the drivers. Actually, I put it in the organization. I don’t believe they gave their drivers the cars to compete. That’s not a shock. I gave my drivers a lot of bad cars and not as many good cars… It’s a competitive sport. And the good news is they’re going to Kansas. Bubba said they’ve lost some of the magic there, but I do think if there’s ever a track where they feel like they could go and be great, it’s got to be it’s got to be Kansas.”
Denny Hamlin Maintains Optimism Despite Difficulties
Team co-owner Denny Hamlin echoed Letarte’s perspective, emphasizing that neither Wallace nor Reddick are yet in must-win situations. He acknowledged their cars struggled with speed and handling at Loudon but noted,
“a must-win would have been if they were below 30 points out going into the last race.”
With two events left, Hamlin stressed possibilities remain open, suggesting that a strong performance at Kansas could dramatically improve their standings.
23XI’s Performance History at Kansas Adds Pressure
Despite optimism, 23XI Racing’s recent record at Kansas Speedway raises concerns. Wallace’s last four finishes at the 1.5-mile track include 33rd, 17th, 17th, and 32nd, although he did secure a top-five finish during the spring 2023 race. His playoff campaign has depended heavily on accumulating stage points, but incidents like a Lap 108 crash in the fall of 2023 disrupted promising runs, making the current playoff push more difficult without steady point gains.
Reddick’s recent Kansas finishes have also been underwhelming, with results of 17th, 25th, and 20th in his past three starts, reinforcing the urgency for improved outcomes. The clock is ticking rapidly for both drivers, and without significant improvements, the New Hampshire race risks being remembered as the turning point where 23XI Racing’s championship aspirations faltered.
