Austin, Texas — Tyler Reddick has secured an unprecedented place in NASCAR history by winning the first three races of the Cup Series season. On Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas, Reddick fended off challenger Shane van Gisbergen over the last 20 laps, marking the first time any driver has begun a season with three straight victories. This streak began with his triumph in the Daytona 500, continued with a win in Atlanta, and was sealed at the season’s initial road course race, showcasing remarkable consistency driving a Toyota co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Significance of the Team’s Success and Ownership
Michael Jordan’s involvement in the team added a unique layer of excitement, as he was seen celebrating with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew after the finish. The team itself has faced challenges beyond racing, notably taking a stand with a federal antitrust lawsuit that ended in a landmark settlement last December. This legal victory assured a long-term franchise model and cemented the team’s future in NASCAR. Since then, their dominance on the track has only intensified.
Jordan credited co-owner Denny Hamlin with orchestrating the team’s achievements.
“I just put up the money,”
Jordan said.
“Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”
He also expressed his eagerness to witness Reddick’s next race in Phoenix, hopeful that the winning streak—and Reddick’s commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship—will extend further.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Near-Miss in His Quest for Road Course Dominance
Shane van Gisbergen, who had a stellar 2025 on road courses with five wins out of six events, was unable to continue his streak in Austin. The Trackhouse driver’s only loss on such courses last year was also at the Circuit of the Americas. Despite his strong performance, van Gisbergen acknowledged the challenge posed by Reddick’s skill.
“You’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high,”
he remarked.
Reddick’s Career Milestone and Track Performance
This victory marked Reddick’s 11th career triumph and his second win at COTA, a venue purpose-built for Formula 1 racing. It is the first track where he has claimed multiple victories, having previously won there in 2023. His performance throughout the weekend demonstrated his exceptional form and determination to maintain his winning momentum.
Other Racing Highlights: IndyCar Season Opening
In a contrasting start to the racing calendar, two-time IndyCar champion Will Power and rookie Mick Schumacher faced setbacks in their opening races. Schumacher’s debut was cut short when he became involved in an early crash on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg. Power, celebrating his 45th birthday, encountered difficulties as well, hitting a wall on lap 21 while racing for Andretti Global. Meanwhile, Alex Palou emerged victorious, setting the tone for the IndyCar season.
