Tyler Reddick explains why 23XI is 'different' from other NASCAR teams

Tyler Reddick spent the first three full-time seasons of his NASCAR Cup Series career driving the No. 8 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), a race team which opened its doors in 1969.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Reddick made a change, switching over to the upstart 23XI Racing co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and fellow Cup Series star Denny Hamlin. Four months into his tenure driving the No. 45 Chevrolet, Reddick sat down with Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports for an exclusive interview.

Reddick discussed the transition, pointing out the differences between the two race teams.

“It is really, really interesting, the differences,” Reddick said. “RCR has been forward-looking with certain things they’ve been implementing. [RCR vice president of competition] Andy Petree is sharp. There’s good people over there getting them back on a path where they need to be and the reason they won last year and obviously with a driver like Kyle [Busch] stepping into there, they’re going to be contending for race wins as well.

“So that stuff doesn’t just fall in your lap. It comes from hard work. And I feel like the things that 23XI is doing is certainly different from anywhere I’ve ever been — their process, their approach, the people they have getting us to those places. I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s certainly different, but it’s a process I really believe in.”

Through 16 races, Reddick sits 13th in the points standings. The 2018 and ’19 Xfinity Series champion has one win — the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas — while recording seven top 10s and five top 5s. Busch, his replacement in the No. 8, meanwhile, is tied with William Byron for most wins this season (3).

Tyler Reddick comments on Kyle Busch’s success in No. 8 car

Reddick said he’s happy for his former team and isn’t surprised by their success.

“No, no, no, no,” said Reddick when asked if it’s weird to see the No. 8 win three races already. “There were so many races we gave away last year, honestly — the car had a lot of speed, the team a lot of speed and it’s rolled into this year. So seeing them win three races doesn’t surprise me. I certainly feel like on our side, too, the speed is there to have won that many races.

“I don’t know why I made it a competition just now because it really shouldn’t be — it’s about us and ourselves. But I am happy for that group. I spent years of my life with the people that are on that team. I’m still good friends with a lot of people on that team. It’s always great to see your friends do well when you can’t necessarily capitalize and have the best day yourself.”