Tyler Reddick was eliminated in the semi-final round of NASCAR’s first-ever In-Season Challenge, losing to Ty Gibbs in a tense battle at Dover Motor Speedway. Although Reddick displayed strong speed and started ahead during the critical closing laps of the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, Gibbs ultimately prevailed, ending Reddick’s run just shy of the final round.
Reddick began the knockout phase seeded No. 23, following an inconsistent seeding campaign highlighted by a best finish of 13th at Michigan. Despite this, he rallied with three consecutive top-six finishes at the start of the knockout rounds, dispatching notable competitors including Kyle Larson and Carson Hocevar to reach the quarterfinals.
At Dover, Reddick, driving for 23XI Racing, faced Ty Gibbs, seeded No. 6. Throughout the race, he maintained a position inside the top five and gained a crucial advantage off pit road during a red-flag restart with nine laps remaining. However, that restart ultimately worked against him. Restarting ninth alongside Gibbs, who started 12th, Reddick found himself trapped behind Austin Dillon in the inside lane, while Gibbs took advantage of cleaner space on the high side to pass him on the backstretch.
After a caution caused by Christopher Bell’s spin extended the race into a two-lap overtime, Gibbs restarted seventh on the inside lane while Reddick lined up eighth on the outside. Once again, the inside lane favored Gibbs, allowing him to climb to fifth place, whereas Reddick slipped back to finish 12th. Gibbs will advance to face Ty Dillon in the final at Indianapolis.
Following the race, Reddick posted on X,
“So close to making the final round, but just wasn’t meant to be. Appreciate everyone’s effort and everything that has gone into making this in-season challenge happen.”
Building Momentum Despite Disappointment, Reddick Looks Ahead to Indianapolis
Although the loss at Dover was disappointing, Tyler Reddick’s 2025 NASCAR Cup season remains steady. With five races left before the regular season concludes, he stands safely above the playoff cutline by 156 points, having secured eight top-ten finishes so far. Among 12 different race winners this season, only four playoff spots remain open, making it highly likely that Reddick will qualify for the postseason barring an unexpected surge of new victors.
Reddick and the 23XI Racing team are more focused on regaining consistent momentum as the season enters its final phase. Despite maintaining competitive speed, Reddick has failed to lead a lap in six of the past seven races. While he has remained in contention, those efforts have yet to translate into wins, heightening the importance of the upcoming Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
The 29-year-old driver holds a solid record at Indianapolis, having finished eighth in 2020 driving for Richard Childress Racing and placing second last year with 23XI Racing. Yet when asked about his prospects for the Brickyard 400, Reddick expressed uncertainty and frustration regarding his recent form.
“Hard to say. We’ve just been struggling a bit. We’re just not our normal selves. So, hard to say, honestly,”
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR driver
Off-Track Challenges Cast Shadow Over Season’s Final Stretch
Adding to the pressure on Tyler Reddick and the team is ongoing off-track turmoil involving co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The 23XI Racing organization is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with NASCAR concerning an antitrust lawsuit. This conflict has resulted in the loss of guaranteed starting positions for the team, undermining their usual competitive security.
Reddick’s contract reportedly includes an exit clause, which creates uncertainty about his future with 23XI Racing. Despite this, the team remains intact for the time being as Reddick prepares to watch the In-Season Challenge finale at Indianapolis as a spectator, instead of a competitor.
This combination of on-track setbacks and off-track complications leaves Tyler Reddick approaching the remainder of the season with a blend of anxiety and determination, as he seeks to reclaim his form at a track that has long represented a chance for redemption and success.
