Tyler Reddick, a prominent NASCAR Cup Series driver, openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Next–Gen car during his recent struggles at Darlington Raceway. The No. 45 Toyota driver, competing for 23XI Racing, highlighted ongoing difficulties with the vehicle that has been used in the Cup Series since 2022, revealing how these issues impacted his performance in key races this season.
Despite a strong history in racing, including two consecutive Xfinity Series championships in 2018 and 2019 and eight Cup Series wins since the Next-Gen car’s introduction, Reddick admitted frustration with the car’s handling and racing dynamics, reflecting a wider debate among drivers and fans alike about the NASCAR innovation.
Challenges at Darlington and Reddick’s Unique Approach to Practice
At the Southern 500, Reddick’s race took a difficult turn early on when he was caught up in a first-lap collision involving Josh Berry’s No. 4 Ford. Though his day nearly ended, Reddick managed a comeback, ultimately finishing second behind Chase Briscoe, who led more than 300 laps. Despite his strong recovery, Reddick lamented being unable to close the gap and overtaking Briscoe, attributing much of the struggle to the nature of the Next-Gen car.
The backlash against the Next-Gen car has been significant since its launch in 2022, with drivers complaining about the vehicle’s sensitivity and the limited room for error on the track. Reddick reflected on his experiences, contrasting the Next-Gen car with the previous steel-bodied cars.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I kinda hate it,
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
He expressed nostalgia for the pre-Next-Gen era, which allowed more precise racing near the walls of tracks like Homestead and Darlington.
I really loved, you know, the amount of precision that we had in the steel body car at places like Homestead, Darlington – anywhere you could run the high-liner, run near the fence. Because I felt like, you know, that was something I was really good at. I knew I could run really close to the wall and not hit it.
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
With the composite bodies of the Next-Gen car, drivers now have to maintain significant distance from the wall to avoid damage.
When we go to Darlington now with the Next-Gen car, the guys are running this far off the wall. It might be because they do hit it, and they have issues hitting into the wall.
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
To adapt, Reddick has adopted a distinct strategy during practice sessions, deliberately running into the wall to better understand the car’s limits.
I think, for me, it’s just having a really good understanding of where your car ends…of where the right-rear quarter panel is…With the composite body, you can bend the toe link, you can tear up the suspension. But for the most part, guys don’t even practice, and I’m one of them as well. I don’t care. I will literally go hit the wall in practice, because I wanna know exactly where the wall is and how much room I got.
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
In recent races, including the Gateway event where he finished 16th, Reddick has managed to hold a 30-point playoff lead heading into the Round of 12 finale, showing resilience despite the challenges.
Support from 23XI Racing Amid Off-Track Legal Issues
While Tyler Reddick wrestles with Next-Gen car frustrations on the track, his team 23XI Racing is facing uncertainty off it. The team’s charters were overturned by the Fourth District of Appeals over the summer, placing the future of Reddick’s contract in jeopardy. The opt-out clause in his agreement adds to the tension, but owner Denny Hamlin, who co-owns the team along with Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk, remains confident in retaining the driver.
We have him under contract. I think he probably feels as confident as we are for December. I’m not sure.
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Owner
Reddick’s relationship with the team is strong despite setbacks during races. At the Enjoy Illinois 300, a pit road error caused a loose wheel on his car, forcing an impromptu roll into Hamlin’s pit box to avoid a hazardous restart. His clear radio frustration illustrated the pressure he is under as he fights for the title.
Stop, stop in the box! Stop at the 23! Stop somewhere! Stop at a Toyota box! Stop! The 11, the 11, the 11!
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
Left rear, left rear, Nick! Tell them left rear. Jack it up, left rear!
—Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Driver
Despite beginning that race in seventh place, the botched pit stop cost him significant track position early on.
Reddick’s Position Heading into Upcoming Races
Currently seventh in the points standings, Tyler Reddick faces a challenging path as he continues his chase for the NASCAR Cup Series championship. The combination of Next-Gen car difficulties and the looming legal issues surrounding his team add layers of complexity to his title pursuit.
With the playoffs intensifying, all eyes will be on how Reddick adapts to his vehicle and navigates external pressures, particularly as the season heads towards Bristol Motor Speedway. His candid remarks about the Next-Gen car highlight the ongoing debate about the sport’s direction, raising questions about whether the current technology is hindering driver performance or if adjustments from competitors will eventually resolve these issues.
As Reddick and 23XI Racing prepare for the critical stages ahead, the outcomes may influence NASCAR’s future decisions concerning car design and team dynamics, with fans and stakeholders watching closely.
