AUSTIN, Texas — Tyler Reddick secured his place in NASCAR Cup Series history as the only driver to start the season by winning the first three races, clinching the latest triumph at Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This victory marks his 11th Cup Series win overall and his eighth win since joining 23XI Racing. Reddick’s remarkable early-season streak highlights his dominance and consistent speed on NASCAR’s most challenging tracks.
Pit Crew and Race Strategy Propel Reddick to Commanding Win
Starting from the pole position, Reddick briefly lost ground early but quickly found his rhythm after adjustments, leading a race-high 58 laps. His relentless pace and superior straightaway speed allowed him to fend off persistent challenges from Ryan Blaney and Shane van Gisbergen during the latter stages of the race. The impeccable execution by his pit crew was instrumental, particularly on the final stop, where they edged out Blaney off pit road, securing the narrow lead that set up Reddick’s race-deciding restart.
Tire Issues Alter Outcome for van Gisbergen and Blaney
Shane van Gisbergen appeared on the verge of winning his first Cup Series race at COTA but suffered tire failure with just six laps remaining, costing him a potential victory. He eventually finished second while earning the day’s highest stage points total of 18. Ryan Blaney, a strong contender throughout, faced similar tire wear challenges late in the race, which led to his slipping back to eighth place after a competitive performance.
Late-Race Caution Offers Strategic Advantage to Several Drivers
Several drivers, including Ty Gibbs, Michael McDowell, and Kyle Larson, capitalized on a late caution to pit for fresh tires, boosting their speed in the closing laps and resulting in top-six finishes. Denny Hamlin also benefited from this timing, earning his first top-ten finish at COTA by coming in tenth overall.
Heat and Equipment Failures Impact Driver Performance
The intense heat of this season’s first race tested drivers’ endurance more than some summer events, with several experiencing cool suit malfunctions reminiscent of struggles from the previous year. Notably, Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger suffered equipment failures; Allmendinger required medical attention and was transported on a stretcher to the infield care center after finishing ninth.
Minimal Cautions Shape Race Flow
The DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by Reladyne unfolded mostly without caution interruptions. The sole caution arose late in the race when Ross Chastain lost his right-rear wheel during the final pit cycle, causing a brief disruption. This green-flag run tested drivers and crews alike, influencing pit strategies and race outcomes.
Closing Stage Drama and Driver Health Concerns
In the final stage, Tyler Reddick maintained his lead after winning the stage start, with Ryan Blaney holding second. A series of incidents unfolded including Connor Zilisch spinning for the second time on a restart and Zane Smith being caught in the resulting dust-up. Alex Bowman, dealing with illness and a pit road penalty, withdrew from the race for medical treatment.
“Alex Bowman needed medical attention and has gone to infield care. Myatt Snyder will finish the race.” ?Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick)
Myatt Snider stepped in as an emergency substitute driver to complete the race in Bowman’s No. 48 car. Additionally, Chase Briscoe, who was running third during the final stage, suffered a broken transaxle and exited the race early, finishing 37th despite a promising day.
Second Stage Brings Early Chaos and Points Battle
Reddick led the pack into turn one at the start of the second stage, but a collision involving Daniel Suarez and Connor Zilisch triggered a spin affecting a significant portion of the field. Everyone managed to avoid further incident, allowing the race to continue without a caution. Noah Gragson also spun alone during this stage, although it did not bring out a yellow flag. Reddick dominated by leading all 23 laps of the stage, closely pursued by Ryan Blaney. The stage-end pit stop shuffled the lead to Ty Gibbs, who earned 16 stage points, improving his position in the championship standings.
Opening Stage Sees Multiple Lead Changes and Aggressive Moves
While Reddick led the field to green, he lost several positions after overshooting the braking zone climbing the hill. Chase Briscoe assumed the lead in turn one, holding it for eight laps before Ryan Blaney’s car prevailed over a longer stint. Shane van Gisbergen made a strong climb from 13th to third, demonstrating his pace before the stage ended. Blaney then took back the lead in the closing laps of the stage. Ross Chastain, focusing on collecting stage points, capitalized on Blaney’s pit stop to secure the stage victory and valuable championship points.
Looking Ahead: NASCAR’s West Coast Swing Begins at Phoenix Raceway
Following the intense and heat-filled race at COTA, the NASCAR Cup Series will head west to Phoenix Raceway for the start of its west coast segment. This weekend also features a joint event with the NTT INDYCAR Series, dubbed the “desert double,” promising further high-stakes competition as the season progresses. Tyler Reddick’s unprecedented streak sets a new standard for early-season success and puts him in prime position as the chase for the championship continues.
Alex Bowman needed medical attention and has gone to infield care. Myatt Snyder will finish the race.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) March 1, 2026
