After witnessing the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on March 1, 2026, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III declared Tyler Reddick and Michael Jordan as the emerging icons in NASCAR. Reddick’s dominant performance during the race underscored his growing reputation, highlighting the rising status of Tyler Reddick NASCAR faces within the sport.
Reddick, driving the #45 Toyota Camry XSE for the 23XI Racing team, secured his second straight pole position with the fastest lap time of 97.76 seconds, reaching a top speed of 88.38 mph. Throughout the 95-lap event, he led 58 laps and battled fiercely against competitors, including Shane van Gisbergen from Trackhouse Racing. Reddick clinched a landmark third consecutive season opener victory, a feat never before achieved in NASCAR history. Reflecting on this achievement, Griffin III confidently stated:
“Michael Jordan and Tyler Reddick are the new faces of NASCAR.”
23XI Racing, co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing star Denny Hamlin, debuted in the NASCAR Cup Series during the 2021 Daytona 500. Since then, the team has collected 12 race wins and nine pole positions. Currently, 23XI Racing fields Tyler Reddick in the #45 Toyota, Bubba Wallace in the #23 Camry, and Riley Herbst in the #35 Monster Energy-sponsored car, strengthening their competitive presence.
Michael Jordan Praises Reddick’s Tenacity Following Atlanta Triumph
Following Tyler Reddick’s recent victory at EchoPark Speedway, Michael Jordan spoke to FOX Sports about Reddick’s exceptional effort and the challenges faced by teammate Bubba Wallace during the same race. Reddick started from pole position and maintained a steady performance, while Wallace began the race in ninth and quickly improved, surpassing Reddick to finish second in stage one and winning stage two.
However, the conclusion of the Atlanta race was tense as Wallace moved to the outside lane with just two laps remaining, which allowed Carson Hocevar to seize the lead temporarily before contact with Wallace opened the door for Reddick to reclaim the front. Reddick held off the competition to secure his second victory of the season by a narrow margin of 0.164 seconds ahead of Toyota teammate Chase Briscoe. Wallace, impacted by his late-race strategy, finished eighth while teammate Riley Herbst came in 33rd.
Commenting on the outcome, Michael Jordan expressed:
“I mean, really, I can’t say anything. Tyler did an unbelievable job. I mean, the team, both teams, did an unbelievable job. And look, I wanted one of them to win. You know, I feel bad for Bubba, obviously, because he had an unbelievable day, but Tyler drove his a** off. And I’m very happy with Tyler.”
Growth of 23XI Racing and Its Impact on NASCAR’s Future
Since its inception five years ago, 23XI Racing has rapidly developed into a formidable force in NASCAR’s Cup Series. The partnership between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin has brought fresh energy and resources, contributing to multiple victories and consistent pole-winning performances. Tyler Reddick’s recent successes at prominent venues like COTA and EchoPark Speedway demonstrate his skill and resilience, making him an increasingly critical figure for 23XI’s ambitions.
As the team’s profile continues to rise, the competition between teammates and rival teams intensifies, creating compelling storylines within the NASCAR season. With Reddick’s unprecedented winning streak at season openers and praise from figures such as Robert Griffin III and Michael Jordan, the sport could be witnessing a shift towards new leadership with 23XI Racing at the forefront.
This momentum suggests that Tyler Reddick NASCAR faces are set to become integral in shaping the sport’s direction, potentially redefining competitive standards and fan engagement in upcoming races throughout the season.
Michael Jordan and Tyler Reddick are the new faces of NASCAR.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 2, 2026
