Tyler Reddick capped an emotional week by clinching his second NASCAR Cup Series victory of the year, overcoming rain delays and intense competition at Michigan International Speedway.
Tyler Reddick Triumphs – Turning Loss into Motivation
Just days after the tragic loss of his mentor, Scott Bloomquist, in a plane crash, Reddick found solace in the victory lane. “I can’t help but think of Scott Bloomquist; Reddick shared, reflecting on the impact of the dirt racing legend and motorsports icon. “This win is for him, his family, and friends.
Earlier in the season, Reddick claimed victory at Talladega in his No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan. Jordan, who was in attendance on Sunday, witnessed the rain halt the race after just 51 laps. “This is a fun hobby and business for him, Hamlin said of Jordan, who recently sold the Charlotte Hornets. “It fills a competitive void for him.
Journey to the Champion
Journey to the Champion
As the race unfolded, Martin Truex Jr. lost control of his No. 19 Toyota on lap 194, bringing out a caution and setting up a dramatic restart with six laps remaining. Reddick maintained his lead through the first restart, but another crash involving Ross Chastain forced a second overtime. William Byron led the second restart, but Reddick swiftly overtook him, marking the 26th lead change of the race. Byron finished second in his No. 24 Chevrolet, while Ty Gibbs secured third in his No. 54 Toyota, boosting his playoff chances.
Despite being the BetMGM Sportsbook favorite, Kyle Larson lost control of his No. 5 Chevrolet on lap 115, causing a multi-car collision that ended his day in 34th place. Joey Logano, whose No. 22 Ford was damaged in the incident, finished 33rd, while Bubba Wallace No. 23 Toyota, also involved, finished 26th, dropping him from 15th to 17th in the playoff standings. Austin Dillon, who was involved in a controversial finish at Richmond the previous week, finished 17th, while Kyle Busch, who won the second stage, secured a fourth-place finish. Busch’s stage win made him the 19th driver to win a stage in 2024, setting a single-season record.
In a terrifying moment, Corey LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet went airborne after contact, flipping over on the grass. Fortunately, LaJoie was evaluated and released from the infield care center unharmed. “I’d rather roll over than hit a wall at that speed; Hamlin commented on the incident, emphasizing the safety of NASCAR’s cars. Reddick’s win ended Ford’s nine-race winning streak at Michigan, with Chris Buescher, last year winner, finishing seventh, and Brad Keselowski coming in sixth for Ford.
Next Up: Daytona
As the regular season nears its end, teams are preparing for the upcoming race at Daytona Beach, Florida, with qualifying scheduled for Friday and the race set for Saturday night. The season will wrap up the following week at Darlington.
