Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, drivers for 23XI Racing, have highlighted their mutual reliance as they gear up for the 2025 NASCAR playoffs. Both racers explained how sharing similar car setups allows them to collaborate closely and improve their performance throughout race weekends.
Collaboration Through Similar Car Setups Strengthens Team Performance
Tyler Reddick pointed out that his vehicle setup closely mirrors those of his teammate Bubba Wallace and the newer addition, Riley Herbst. This similarity enables them to exchange feedback and data effectively, helping to troubleshoot issues when one driver struggles with the car’s handling. By analyzing each other’s experiences, they can adjust their vehicles and find better track performance faster.
Reddick stated,
“But I feel like here at 23XI, one thing that we do is, you know, Bubba, myself, Riley, we all show up to the racetrack very, very close, setup-wise to one another. And if I’m having an off practice, or Bubba is, or Riley is, and I’m just like, man, I’m not comfortable doing this with my car, I’m able to talk to Bubba, Riley, look at the data, look at the information we have, and see how they’re doing it, and then believe that, okay, their car is doing it, I’m going to be able to do it in my car based on the similarities we have.”
– Tyler Reddick, Driver
Bubba Wallace echoed this collaborative approach, adding that they often practice together in groups, giving them shared opportunities to tweak strategies and benefit from each other’s insights. He noted that even when Tyler struggles initially, he usually finds his rhythm by the end of the race weekend.
“Yeah, I think, yeah, nine times out of ten, Tyler’s in the way in practice. But he usually finds his way by the end of the weekend. So it’s not where he starts, it’s where he finishes. But going out in practice, a lot of times, two or three of us, two out of three of us are in the same group. So we get to learn some things that can translate over to the single car that’s in the second group. But with what Tyler said, showing very similar makes things a little bit easier on weekends that we hit it.”
– Bubba Wallace, Driver
Strong Season Performances by Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick
This season has seen Bubba Wallace secure one victory, four top-five finishes, and twelve top-ten results, maintaining an average finish position of 18.59. His headline achievement came with a historic win at the Brickyard 400 in July, where he became the first Black driver to triumph on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. This milestone victory boosted his confidence and ensured his place in the playoffs.
Tyler Reddick has experienced a consistent run despite not yet winning this playoff season, recording one pole position, five top-five finishes, and nine top-ten results. He also led for 153 laps across 26 races, demonstrating sustained speed and competitiveness since joining 23XI Racing.
Memorable Promotional Shoots Showcase Teammates’ Lighthearted Side
Off the track, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick have shared amusing moments, revealing their chemistry during promotional shoots earlier this year. While filming ads backed by McDonald’s, the drivers struggled humorously with ingredient names, repeatedly mixing up ‘pickles’ with ‘onions,’ resulting in several retakes.
Wallace injects humor by calling for media training for Reddick amidst these bloopers, highlighting their easygoing rapport despite the pressure they face in competition.
“Someone please media train @TylerReddick,” Wallace captioned the clip.
23XI Racing’s Growing Operation and Legal Challenges Ahead
Since 2023, Wallace and Reddick have raced together under the 23XI Racing umbrella, which is co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. The team expanded in 2025 by adding Riley Herbst, forming a promising three-car lineup supported by strong sponsorship connections.
Although the team shows potential, it faces challenges off the track, including ongoing legal disputes concerning charter agreements with NASCAR. These issues create uncertainty around the team’s future prospects but have not deterred the drivers’ ambitions or commitment to their collective goals.
Looking Forward: Team Synergy Could Shape 2025 Playoff Success
The continuing exchange of data and strategies between Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst reflects a united front within 23XI Racing as they pursue success in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. Their shared setups and communication provide an advantage that could be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape.
With Wallace’s breakthrough victory and Reddick’s consistent performances, the team carries momentum into the season’s critical stages. Overcoming external challenges and focusing on their internal strengths, they aim to secure strong postseason results and further establish 23XI Racing as a top contender.
Shared setups. Shared speed. Shared momentum. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/X9lA9QLqPV
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) September 18, 2025
Someone please media train @TylerReddick pic.twitter.com/xksmzhKz4p
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) January 22, 2025
