Reddick wins pole, Wallace takes second at COTA qualifying: # 23XI racing achieves historic front-row sweep
23XI Racing, the NASCAR Team co-owned with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin at the Circuit of the Americas, has achieved an historic first-row sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series Race. The team has reached a major milestone, which demonstrates their competitiveness and growth on road tracks.
Tyler Reddick was behind the wheel No. With a time of just 1 minute and 38.076, the 23XI Toyota Camry XSE 45, driven by Tyler Reddick, took pole. This was achieved with a speedy lap averaged at 88.095 mph, around the difficult 3.41-mile circuit, which has 20 turns. Reddick is now on his tenth NASCAR Cup Series career pole and has won twice at COTA. He previously took the Cup Series in 2023.
Bubba Wallace driving the 23XI Racing Toyota Camry XSE, secured the second-fastest time, trailing Reddick by just 0.224 seconds. In the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE 23XI Racing, Bubba Wallace was able to secure the second-fastest lap, behind Reddick only by 0.224. The teamwork, collaboration and environment that 23XI Racing fosters is reflected in this remarkable accomplishment.
Reddick and Wallace discuss teamwork and strategy
Reddick’s and Wallace’s strategies for qualifying were similar. Both drivers navigated the COTA circuit with accuracy and speed. Both drivers were concerned that they could potentially slow down each other’s times despite their pursuit of individual goals.
Reddick acknowledged that the two teammates shared mutual respect and concern.
Reddick credited his team for their tireless efforts to improve the performance of the No. Performance of Toyota 45 during the entire practice session. Reddick commented, “It was just a day that really knocked us off our game.” Reddick said, “The pace wasn’t what we had expected and everybody here at No. 45 – and everybody at 23XI [Racing] We made massive improvements, I would say, from Practice One to Practice Two.”
Wallace acknowledged that Reddick is a valuable resource for him when it comes road course racing. Tyler Reddick is a big influence on the Toyota crew when it comes down to racing road courses. [Reddick]Wallace praised Reddick for his leadership and expertise within the team. It is important that they maintain this collaborative attitude to be able to take advantage of their first row starting position at the Cup Series race in COTA.
## Results of COTA qualifying: beyond 23XI racing
Kyle Busch was third in the qualifying standings, with Todd Gilliland, Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch in second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth. Connor Zilisch (18 years old) will pilot the No. 14 NASCAR Cup Series car from its position in 14th. The 87 Red Bull sponsored Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet.
23XI’s rise to prominence
23XI Racing, founded by Michael Jordan in 2020 and Denny Hamlin in 2021, has rapidly become one of the most prominent teams in NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace was the sole driver of 23XI Racing when it debuted in 2021. The operation expanded in 2022 to include two cars. Tyler Reddick’s addition in 2023 after Kurt Busch retired further solidified this team’s ability to compete. This front row sweep is a testimony to 23XI Racing’s talent and commitment to excellence. 23XI’s historic victory shows the team has what it takes to compete in championships for years.