Tyler Reddick cemented his place in NASCAR history with a thrilling victory at the Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, becoming the first driver in Cup Series history to win the season’s first three races. Reddick fended off a late charge from Shane van Gisbergen, holding him off over the final 20 laps to secure his milestone triumph.
Driving a Toyota co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan, Reddick had already claimed victories in the season-opening Daytona 500 and at Atlanta, winning the COTA race from the pole position. Jordan, present in the 23XI pit, celebrated with the crew as Reddick crossed the finish line, marking a historic weekend for both driver and team.
23XI Racing’s Dominance Grows as Reddick Extends Historic Winning Streak
The win highlights the dominance of 23XI Racing, co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team has seen remarkable success both on and off the track, including a landmark antitrust lawsuit settlement in December that secured their long-term franchise status.
Jordan credited Hamlin as the “mastermind” behind the team’s operations while acknowledging his own financial role in its creation. With this victory, Reddick has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship, and Jordan confirmed he will attend the next race at Phoenix Raceway to see if the streak can continue.
Tyler Reddick Makes NASCAR History with Three Consecutive Wins to Start SeasonVan Gisbergen, who had won five of six road course races in 2025, fell short of tying a record for consecutive road course wins. Despite staying close in the final laps, he was unable to pass Reddick, ultimately finishing second.
Reddick described his focus as minimizing mistakes under intense pressure, while Jordan praised his composure, noting how calm and controlled Reddick remained even as van Gisbergen closed in. The victory at COTA was also Reddick’s 11th career Cup Series win and his second at the track, a venue he first conquered in 2023.
NASCAR Drivers Face Illness, Spins, and Injuries Amid Challenging Road Course Weekend
Other drivers faced challenges during the race weekend. Rookie Connor Zilisch struggled after qualifying 25th and suffered spins late in the race, finishing 14th. Alex Bowman of Hendrick Motorsports had to exit his car due to illness and was replaced mid-race by pit spotter Myatt Snider, who scrambled to suit up.
Brad Keselowski, recovering from a broken leg, finished 20th while prepared to hand over driving duties if necessary. Despite these hurdles, the race underscored the physical and strategic demands of NASCAR’s road course competition.
The Cup Series now shifts back to oval racing at Phoenix Raceway on March 8, where Reddick will attempt to extend his historic streak. Last year, Christopher Bell won three straight races in the NextGen car in Arizona, setting a high bar for season-opening momentum. Reddick’s early-season success, combined with 23XI Racing’s strategic and operational strength, signals a team and driver to watch closely as the championship unfolds.
