Tyler Reddick tops 23XI Racing with a 1-2 finish in Darlington Cup qualifying
DARLINGTON, S.C. — The NASCAR team co-owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan maintained its impressive start to the 2026 season in the Cup Series, securing the top two starting positions on Saturday at Darlington Raceway.
Daytona 500 champion Tyler Reddick, the first driver in NASCAR’s history to win the initial three races of the season, achieved the pole position for Sunday’s 400-mile event with a lap time of 169.152 mph on the 1.366-mile track.
The 23XI Racing competitor earned his 13th pole despite making contact with the wall in his No. 45 Toyota while grappling with a new package that increases horsepower and reduces downforce, making driving more challenging.
“I attempted to take it easy but ended up overdoing the throttle,” Reddick stated. “I realized I was in trouble about a third of the way through, so I had to hit the wall at that point.”
“I’m really proud of everyone at 23XI. It was a significant focus to adjust the engine and downforce to maintain our strength over the past couple of years. I anticipated it would be a considerable challenge in qualifying today, and it was. I nearly wrecked.”
Teammate Bubba Wallace secured the second position at 168.434 mph in his No. 23 Toyota for 23XI, marking the second front row sweep for the team established by Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. Reddick and Wallace are also positioned 1-2 in the points standings after five races.
“That’s Reddick for you,” Wallace remarked. “He pushes it to the edge. That was an incredible lap. I’m proud of the team’s efforts. We continue to carry the momentum from Race 1 to now, and Darlington is extremely challenging. This package is tough to handle.”
Wallace dedicated his lap to his newborn daughter, who arrived on Thursday.
Chase Elliott qualified third after his No. 9 Chevrolet failed inspection twice prior to the session, resulting in the loss of pit selection and the ejection of car chief Matt Barndt.
Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski completed the top five in qualifying.
Chris Buescher qualified sixth, but his No. 17 Ford also failed inspection twice, leading to the loss of pit selection and car chief Josh Sisco for the race.
Source: espn.com
