Austin, Texas — Tyler Reddick has made NASCAR history by becoming the first driver ever to win the opening three races of a season. Racing for 23XI Racing in the No. 45 Toyota Camry, Reddick began his streak with a victory at the prestigious Daytona 500, followed by a win at EchoPark Speedway the next weekend. His third consecutive triumph occurred at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where he showcased dominant performance against tough competition.
Overcoming Challenges and Holding Off Top Contenders
The third win was especially impressive, as Reddick took the pole position at Circuit of the Americas and led for 58 laps, the most in the race. He faced intense pressure from Shane van Gisbergen, who was aiming for his sixth straight road course victory. Reddick maintained flawless execution, navigating complex corners and managing tire wear expertly to keep van Gisbergen behind.
After the race, van Gisbergen acknowledged Reddick’s quality on the track:
“His car was really, really good,”
van Gisbergen told FanBuzz.
“He was just making no mistakes, you know. When I got to him, I could tell he was driving straight, and he had a bit left in reserve. Made it difficult.”
Praise from Team Owner and Impact on Standings
Denny Hamlin, owner of 23XI Racing, expressed amazement following the historic win.
“I’m not going to see it again in my lifetime. Someone go out there and win three races in a row to start the season. And I mean, yeah, what a dream start for those guys.”
Reddick’s perfect beginning has put him far ahead in the NASCAR Cup Series standings, extending a 70-point lead over teammate Bubba Wallace, currently in second place.
Reddick’s Reflection on His Historic Achievement
Tyler Reddick shared his feelings about the significance of the achievement and the rivalry with van Gisbergen.
“Yeah, it’s so fitting. We get going at the end there and I’m leading and there’s SVG, the guy I’ve been trying to beat for a while now. Just to be able to out last him there and hold on for the win is just incredible.
He also praised his team’s effort:
Just really proud of this Chumba Casino Toyota Camry, everyone at 23XI. We worked really hard. We did not like getting beat like that at road courses. It’s one race, but it was so important, so fitting that we were able to get three in a row and make history.
Significance of Reddick’s Historic Streak for NASCAR
Tyler Reddick’s three-race win streak to open the season marks a milestone that could redefine success benchmarks in NASCAR. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level across different track types demonstrates both skill and mental toughness. With Reddick now leading the Cup Series by a significant margin, the 2026 NASCAR season is shaping up to be highly competitive and intense as challengers strive to close the gap. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if anyone can halt Reddick’s momentum in the coming races.
Tyler Reddick is in his historic era. pic.twitter.com/n8wVwg9uxN
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 2, 2026
#NASCAR – Shane van Gisbergen had a very strong car, but he didn't quite have the speed to catch Tyler Reddick. He said Reddick was holding something in reserve.
More comments after his runner-up finish at COTA. pic.twitter.com/1a0gDnlgN5— John Newby (@JohnNewby_) March 2, 2026
