Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently expressed concerns about Tyler Reddick‘s playoff chances after the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series. On his latest Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. evaluated the performance of 23XI Racing drivers as NASCAR heads into the Round of 12, emphasizing the precarious position Reddick faces in the current playoff standings.
Tyler Reddick playoff chances have become a focal point for NASCAR fans as the competition intensifies. Both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, who drive full-time for 23XI Racing, have successfully moved into the Round of 12. Bubba Wallace, piloting the #23 Toyota Camry XSE, holds the eighth spot with a comfortable buffer over the elimination line. In contrast, Reddick, behind the wheel of the #45 Camry, sits in 12th place, three points below the crucial cutoff. This dynamic sets the stage for a tense battle as drivers fight to advance further into the 2025 Cup Series playoffs.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Applauds Bubba Wallace’s Progress but Expresses Reservations for Reddick
Dale Earnhardt Jr., a former NASCAR star and current podcast host, noted the significant improvement shown by Bubba Wallace this season, attributing a clear uptick in performance since the Indianapolis race. Earnhardt Jr. commented on the resilience and growth seen from Wallace, stating:
“Bubba’s really kind of turned it up another notch this year. Seems like, since Indy, he’s sort of switched into another gear that I’ve never seen him really have before. Deserves to be up there. Can do it. Should be able to do it.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Although impressed with Wallace, Earnhardt Jr. voiced uncertainties regarding Tyler Reddick’s ability to advance in the playoffs. Reddick, despite his talent, has not exhibited the pace found in other competitors, according to Earnhardt Jr., who observed:
“Reddick worries me a little bit. I don’t see the speed that I think that they’re capable of.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Team Standings Highlight Tension for 23XI Racing
Bubba Wallace, after securing a significant win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is building momentum heading into the Round of 12. Reddick, however, remains winless so far this season, increasing scrutiny on his playoff prospects. As playoff leader, Denny Hamlin, driving the #11 Toyota Camry XSE, enjoys a sizeable 26-point cushion above the elimination threshold, showcasing the tight competition and pressure on those near the cutoff like Reddick.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Responds to 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule Changes
In August 2025, NASCAR unveiled significant updates to the 2026 Cup Series schedule. Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed excitement about the adjustments, particularly the decision to relocate the All-Star Race venue from North Wilkesboro Speedway to Dover Motor Speedway. This change will reintroduce North Wilkesboro as a points-paying race, a move that has elicited positive reactions within the racing community.
Earnhardt Jr. shared his enthusiasm for the update, stating:
“The big news for me on the 2026 @NASCAR schedule is @NWBSpeedway getting a points race! I can’t wait to call 400 laps of night racing there on July 19. It’s massive for the surrounding community, and every fan of NASCAR is going to feel like a winner next July.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
New Breaks and Adjustments Provide Opportunity and Anticipation
NASCAR’s 2026 season will include two breaks in its regular season schedule. The first hiatus is planned following the Martinsville Speedway event in March, while the second will occur after the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race in July. These added breaks offer teams and drivers valuable recovery time and could influence strategies as the competition unfolds.
The rearrangements to the schedule, as well as changing venues like Dover Motor Speedway and bringing back North Wilkesboro Speedway as a points event, highlight NASCAR’s commitment to renewing excitement for fans and communities. This shift in the All-Star Race location underscores the evolving nature of the sport and the league’s responsiveness to tradition and fan interest.
As the Cup Series continues through the playoffs and the sport looks ahead to 2026, all eyes remain on whether Tyler Reddick can overcome his underdog position. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace and other top contenders like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson aim to sustain their success and enthusiasm. The coming weeks will reveal whether Reddick and his team can unlock the speed and consistency needed to extend his championship hopes.
Chase Elliott, Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain — who advances and who doesn't? 😬 @DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/yFsmHewzhS
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) September 19, 2025
