Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are forming a dynamic partnership at 23XI Racing as they enter the crucial phase of the 2025 NASCAR playoffs campaign. The duo, alongside their teammate Riley Herbst, are using their shared expertise and parallel car setups to enhance their performance and boost their chances of advancing deep into the postseason. Bubba Wallace NASCAR playoffs hopes have been strengthened by open collaboration and mutual learning, creating a tight-knit environment within the team.
The drivers have been clear in discussing how they depend on one another to stay competitive each week. Tyler Reddick pointed out that the similar configurations among his car, Bubba Wallace’s, and Riley Herbst’s allow them to compare notes and adapt efficiently, especially if one is lagging during practice or qualifying. By analyzing each other’s data and tweaking their cars accordingly, the team is able to optimize results and maintain consistency on the track.
Shared Setups and Open Communication Lead to Consistency
The ability to share almost identical setups is proving invaluable for 23XI Racing. Tyler Reddick explained,
“But I feel like here at 23XI, one thing that we do is, you know, Bubba, myself, Riley, we all show up to the racetrack very, very close, setup-wise to one another. And if I’m having an off practice, or Bubba is, or Riley is, and I’m just like, man, I’m not comfortable doing this with my car, I’m able to talk to Bubba, Riley, look at the data, look at the information we have, and see how they’re doing it, and then believe that, okay, their car is doing it, I’m going to be able to do it in my car based on the similarities we have.” – Tyler Reddick, Driver
This approach allows the teammates to diagnose handling issues rapidly and transfer knowledge quickly when someone hits on a solution during practice. Bubba Wallace echoed these thoughts, highlighting the natural rhythm that develops within the team:
“Yeah, I think, yeah, nine times out of ten, Tyler’s in the way in practice. But he usually finds his way by the end of the weekend. So it’s not where he starts, it’s where he finishes. But going out in practice, a lot of times, two or three of us, two out of three of us are in the same group. So we get to learn some things that can translate over to the single car that’s in the second group. But with what Tyler said, showing very similar makes things a little bit easier on weekends that we hit it.” – Bubba Wallace, Driver
The collaborative structure at 23XI, bolstered by continuous data analysis and frank conversations, is helping all three drivers chase peak performance—a crucial factor during high-pressure playoff periods in NASCAR.
Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick: Performance and Milestones This Season
Bubba Wallace’s campaign this season has delivered notable achievements, including a victory at the historic Brickyard 400 in July. This win at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval was significant: Wallace became the first black driver to triumph at the iconic venue, securing his place in the NASCAR playoffs. Over the season, Wallace notched four top-five finishes and twelve top-tens, finishing races on average in 18.59th position, revitalizing his confidence and momentum at a pivotal time.
Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick has maintained a reputation for speed and stability. He achieved one pole position, had five finishes within the top five, collected nine top-tens, and led 153 laps after 26 races. While he has yet to win a race this season, Reddick’s regular presence at the front and his consistent demand for improvement keep him and 23XI in the playoff conversation, echoing the passionate and energetic mood around the team.
Behind the Scenes: Lighthearted Moments Reveal Strong Camaraderie
The off-track chemistry between Wallace and Reddick was on full display as they shared amusing outtakes from a McDonald’s-sponsored promo shoot earlier in the season. The commercial shoot became memorable as both drivers mixed up the ingredient names—most notably swapping “pickles” for “onions”—resulting in several bloopers. Wallace’s playful jab,
“Someone please media train @TylerReddick,” – Bubba Wallace, Driver
captured the good-natured atmosphere within 23XI Racing. These interactions reflect the team’s ability to enjoy lighter moments, even amidst the pressure of top-tier NASCAR competition. Their camaraderie, evident in both their professional synergy and their friendly teasing, is regarded as an important factor in creating a positive, resilient team culture.
23XI Racing’s Expansion and Uncertain Future
Both Wallace and Reddick have been teammates at 23XI Racing since 2023 under the joint ownership of Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. For the 2025 season, the team made a significant leap, adding Riley Herbst and expanding to a three-car lineup. Backed by sponsorship from top brands like McDonald’s, the driver’s trio is counted among NASCAR’s most promising combinations.
However, legal disputes regarding charter agreements with NASCAR are casting a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s future. These ongoing battles create additional hurdles for 23XI Racing, even as they strive for on-track success. The organization’s growth and ambition are apparent, but the outcome of these charter negotiations will play a critical role in shaping their continued presence and competitiveness in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.
A Look Ahead: Playoff Aspirations and Impact on the Sport
As the NASCAR playoffs draw near, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick’s determination and teamwork at 23XI Racing stand as a focal point for fans and competitors alike. Their open communication and strategic approach, combined with significant achievements this season, have strengthened their positions as key figures in both the team and the greater NASCAR narrative. With Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin supporting the organization, and Riley Herbst adding depth, 23XI’s pursuit of playoff glory could influence the shape and spirit of NASCAR’s postseason battles in the months ahead.
Shared setups. Shared speed. Shared momentum. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/X9lA9QLqPV
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) September 18, 2025
Someone please media train @TylerReddick pic.twitter.com/xksmzhKz4p
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) January 22, 2025
