23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, achieved a remarkable front-row sweep at COTA in NASCAR’s Cup Series qualifying. Tyler Reddick secured pole position, followed closely by Bubba Wallace. Both drivers highlighted their team’s collaborative efforts and improvements leading up to the event, marking a significant achievement in the team’s history. This growth from a single driver in 2020 to two competitive entries illustrates the upward trajectory of 23XI Racing.
23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has made headlines by securing a front-row sweep in NASCAR Cup Series qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Tyler Reddick achieved pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:38.076, averaging a speed of 88.095 mph. This victory marks Reddick’s tenth pole in the Cup Series and his second at COTA, showcasing his expertise on road courses.
Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate and driver of the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota, finished second, just 0.224 seconds behind Reddick. Leading around COTA’s 17 turns, both drivers executed a shared qualifying strategy. Tyler expressed concern about possibly hindering Wallace’s lap, indicating their collaborative approach.
Reddick praised the improvements made to the No. 45 Toyota throughout the practice sessions, highlighting the team’s tireless efforts. “All in all, just I think today really threw us for a loop… I’m just really glad the day went like it did, it’s going to be great track position for us tomorrow,” he stated.
Wallace acknowledged Reddick’s crucial role during qualification, stating, “When we come to the road course races, I think everybody in the Toyota camp really leans on Tyler [Reddick].” Notably, Chase Elliott secured third place, followed by Carson Hocevar and Daniel Suarez, rounding out the top five drivers.
This accomplishment signifies significant growth for 23XI Racing, which commenced in 2020 with Wallace as its lone driver. The expansion to a two-car operation in 2022 saw the addition of Tyler Reddick in 2023 after Kurt Busch’s retirement, underscoring the team’s upward trajectory. For ongoing NASCAR updates, readers may refer to Newsweek Sports.
In summary, 23XI Racing has made a significant mark in NASCAR history with its front-row sweep at COTA, demonstrating the effectiveness of teamwork and strategic execution by drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. Their progress reflects the team’s rapid development since its inception in 2020, showcasing its potential for future success in the sport.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
