Michael Jordan Celebrates as Tyler Reddick Secures Spot in NASCAR Championship Race
Michael Jordan, who understands the value of championships after winning six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls, now has the opportunity to add a NASCAR Cup Series championship to his impressive record through his team, 23XI Racing.
During the race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Jordan saw his driver, Tyler Reddick, pull off an incredible last-lap move to win the playoff race, which earned him a spot in the Championship 4. Reddick triumphed over reigning champion Ryan Blaney and Denny Hamlin, who is also a co-owner of 23XI Racing but races for Joe Gibbs Racing.
Jordan was visibly thrilled on the pit road as Reddick crossed the finish line, a win that had seemed doubtful just a few laps earlier.
“Oh, man, he just let go. He just went for it and I’m glad,” Jordan remarked. “We needed it. We needed it.”
Reddick’s team opted for an unconventional pit strategy in the final stage of the race, believing it was their best shot at victory. They kept Reddick’s Toyota on the track much longer than other competitors, only bringing him in for fuel and fresh tires when his tank was almost empty. This caused Reddick to drop out of the top ten as the race neared its conclusion, but fortune smiled on him.
On Lap 255 of 267, Kyle Larson, who was in second place, spun out, triggering the final caution flag. Since Reddick had just changed tires a few laps earlier, he was able to remain on the racetrack while all the other cars returned for pit stops. This shift turned the tide for Reddick and 23XI Racing.
After the restart, Reddick initially lost his lead to Hamlin, who later lost it to Blaney. Nonetheless, Reddick was able to chase down both drivers, passing Hamlin first, followed by Blaney, to claim the victory.
“Little kid drove his ass off,” Jordan expressed proudly about Reddick. “I’m proud of him.”
With this victory, Reddick will join Joey Logano from Team Penske in the NASCAR Championship Race, set to take place in two weeks at Phoenix Raceway. The last two spots will be confirmed next Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
