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Tyler Reddick has etched his name in NASCAR history by securing his third consecutive victory to kick off the 2026 season. The achievement is a testament to both the driver’s skill and the strategic prowess of his team, according to Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing.
“Listen,” the exuberant billionaire remarked from the pit row following the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix, “I just provide the financial backing.”
Despite identifying as a ‘competitor,’ the 63-year-old basketball legend praised Reddick and the team meticulously assembled by 23XI’s co-owner and fellow driver, Denny Hamlin.
“I’m proud of the team we’ve built. I’m sure Denny feels the same way. Much of the credit goes to him as he’s the one who discovered Tyler. Denny has done an outstanding job of helping to construct this team. The team has embraced leadership and focused on winning, which is the ultimate goal,” Jordan expressed.
Jordan, familiar with the concept of three consecutive wins from his basketball days, was particularly struck by the team’s ability to clinch a third straight victory.
Jordan celebrates with driver Tyler Reddick after the team’s third straight win to start 2026
Reddick embraces Jordan in Austin, Texas on Sunday following his third consecutive win
‘Tyler came in with the most pressure, I guess,’ Jordan said. ‘Everybody expected him, or he had a chance to win three in a row. That’s the hardest one to win, you know. And you know, he kept to his strategy, and the guys put together a great car.’
Following Reddick’s win, NASCAR posted a picture of a high-fiving Jordan on X with the caption: ‘MJ celebrates another three-peat.’
Reddick won the season-opening Daytona 500 and a week later at Atlanta, then won from the pole in the first road course race of the year.
Jordan, the basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion, was with Reddick’s 23XI pit crew exchanging high fives as Reddick crossed the finish line.
‘It’s one race, but it was so important,’ Reddick said. ‘It’s so fitting to get three in a row and make history.’
History made for a team and ownership group that has been making a lot of it.
They took on NASCAR with a federal antitrust lawsuit. The settlement in December was considered a major legal victory that secured a permanent franchise-style model and ensured the team would remain in business for the long-term.
They’ve been unbeatable on the race track ever since.
Beau Reddick, the son of Tyler Reddick, celebrates on his fathers car in victory lane
Reddick’s 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1
Jordan said he’ll be at the next race in Phoenix to see if Reddick can extend the winning streak that has built a commanding 70-point lead in the drivers’ championship.
Shane Van Gisbergen, who won five of six road course races in 2025, lost his bid for a record-tying sixth consecutive road win. The only road course race the Trackhouse driver didn’t win last season was in Austin.
‘Tyler was just amazing,’ Van Gisbergen said. ‘You’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high.’
Reddick was just too good all weekend in pursuit of history. His 11th career victory was also his second at COTA, a track built for Formula 1, and the first time he’s had multiple victories at a track. He won at COTA in 2023.
It was far from easy, even if Reddick looked like he was in complete control. Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the final stage, but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the final six laps.
‘I was just trying to minimize mistakes, Shane is so good,’ Reddick said.
Jordan, so clutch in his playing days, noted Reddick was cool in the driver’s seat while under immense pressure.
‘You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous, but I think he had him covered the whole day,’ Jordan said.