Tyler Reddick, alongside Kyle Larson, has seamlessly transitioned from dirt racing to becoming a standout in the NASCAR Cup Series, inspiring other drivers such as Kyle Busch and Ty Gibbs to explore dirt racing themselves. Despite their initial forays not yet yielding Cup-level results, Busch’s firsthand experience provided insights into the skills that set Larson and Reddick apart.
During an episode of “Door Bumper Clear,” Busch elaborated on what makes Reddick and Larson exceptional. He remarked,
“They are comfortable on the edge,”
pointing out that dirt racing stars often excel at running close to the wall. At many Midwest tracks, where a cushion forms, mastering the skill of using the cushion becomes crucial. Busch explained that drivers must ease the right rear tire onto the cushion carefully, allowing the car to glide along seamlessly, unlike steering into it, which would lead to losing control.
Busch further highlighted that drivers like Reddick possess the remarkable ability to precisely place their cars in the perfect position, allowing them to accelerate smoothly through turns. He noted,
“Learn a good sense of that on the dirt and being able to do that sideways with not a lot of grip, they’re really figuring out that finesse.”
Anthony Alfredo from the Xfinity Series echoed Busch’s sentiments, shedding light on the same concept last year through a video on social media. He discussed the aerodynamic phenomenon, particularly on low-grip tracks, where running high on the track creates an air pocket between the car and the wall, granting drivers extra side force. This aerodynamic edge enables the driver to carry more speed through corners, thereby achieving faster lap times.
Analyzing the significance of these skills in Tyler Reddick’s NASCAR journey reveals the intricate blend of precision, finesse, and daring necessary to excel in high-wall racing. As Reddick continues to capitalize on his dirt racing roots, his ability to exploit aerodynamic nuances and his refined skill set will likely keep him competitive. As NASCAR incorporates more diverse tracks, drivers with backgrounds like Reddick’s will hold the advantage, potentially shaping the future landscape of the sport.
