Kurt Busch has unveiled the approach behind 23XI Racing’s tire selections for this weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, highlighting the team’s efforts to gain an edge through careful analysis and testing of the Goodyear compound. The 23XI Racing tire strategy aims to give their drivers—Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick—every possible advantage on the challenging Loudon oval as they chase playoff points and a potential victory.
Comprehensive Tire Testing Ahead of the Mobil 1 301
As the pivotal NASCAR Cup Series event draws closer, Busch shared that 23XI Racing conducted a focused 40-lap practice session to “decode” the behavior of the newly supplied Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. This process, designed to assess how the soft compound would perform over extended use, allowed the team to collect valuable data on grip levels and tire degradation. Such information is especially valuable at New Hampshire, a 1.058-mile circuit where tire management often determines the difference between contending for the win or falling back in the pack.
Although he no longer drives for the team, Kurt Busch retains a core role as consultant and mentor to the Toyota-affiliated outfit, which is owned in part by basketball legend Michael Jordan. The 23XI Racing organization, now fielding three full-time drivers, is counting on this insight as NASCAR brings the same tire package previously raced at tracks like Bowman Gray Stadium, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and Richmond Raceway.
The tire compound’s softer rubber, intended to increase grip, comes with the downside of faster wear—a factor that is likely to make pit strategy and tire conservation more important than ever in the 301-lap battle.
“Kurt Busch gave (Heather DeBeaux) insight into the 23XI plan — All three drivers made long runs in practice, analyzing the new tire. ‘Any time a new tire’s brought to a track, it’s called a ‘decode.’ Our cars did a 40-lap run because they want a good read on the tires and brakes.’”
– Kurt Busch, Mentor and Consultant
Kurt Busch Relishes New Hampshire Boost to Team and Fans
Busch’s involvement at Loudon is notable not just for his strategic role with 23XI Racing; he is also emerging as a figurehead for fans, taking on grand marshal duties for the Mobil 1 301. New Hampshire is a familiar battlefield for the veteran, who has three Cup Series victories at the track to his name, including back-to-back wins for Roush Racing in 2004 and another triumph with Penske Racing in 2008. This legacy gives additional weight to his advice as 23XI looks to push both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick deeper into the 2023 playoffs.
The Mobil 1 301, set for September 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET, marks the beginning of the Round of 12—an elimination stage where Wallace and Reddick are still in contention. Wallace, piloting the #23, currently holds eighth in the playoff standings but sits only a single point clear of the cutline. Reddick in the #45 is twelfth, three points adrift, making every decision over the race weekend critical for the team’s championship hopes.
Team Dynamics and Leadership for 23XI Racing
The team’s strategic focus this week reflects a broader commitment to engineering and adaptability. Alongside the tire “decode” work, all three 23XI drivers have contributed feedback through extended practice runs to help the race engineers refine their approach for Sunday. Having Busch as both consultant and grand marshal highlights the organization’s dedication to utilizing every resource, with Michael Jordan’s co-ownership further underscoring the operation’s high-profile ambitions.
For Busch, the occasion is personally significant. Now 47, and after stepping away from driving due to an injury at Pocono Raceway in 2022, his dual role in New Hampshire is a homecoming of sorts, marked by NASCAR’s gesture of presenting him a replica of his first “Loudon the Lobster” trophy. He originally attempted to donate the original trophy—a prized symbol of success at Loudon—to the Boston Aquarium, underscoring his unique connection to both the race and the region.
“Headed to (New Hampshire Motor Speedway) this weekend to cover grand marshal duties and to support (23XI Racing). In ‘08, I was able to capture the 1st ever Loudon the Lobster trophy. The track is gifting me a replica, because I tried to donate mine to the Boston Aquarium.”
– Kurt Busch, Mentor and Consultant
Playoff Stakes for Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick
Both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick remain key figures in 23XI Racing’s playoff campaign. Wallace, vying not just for race wins but the opportunity to advance in the championship, is in a precarious position with only a slim buffer above the elimination line. Reddick’s situation is equally tense; although just outside the top 12, a strong finish in this round could catapult him back into contention.
Riley Herbst, currently full-time in the #35 car, continues to add depth to the 23XI effort, gathering experience and contributing to the team’s overall feedback as they chase improvement through every race weekend.
The organization’s meticulous approach—combining engineering analysis, experience from drivers and mentors, and a willingness to adapt—will be put to the test once the green flag drops at New Hampshire.
Looking Forward to the Mobil 1 301 and Beyond
The events in Loudon will resonate beyond just a single race, as 23XI Racing’s approach to tire strategy could influence how other teams approach short-track events throughout the playoffs. With seasoned leadership from both the team’s drivers and support staff, the blend of engineering know-how and competitive spirit may give them an edge when it matters most.
Kurt Busch’s ongoing presence—both as mentor to current drivers and as grand marshal—reflects the continuity between past champions and the next generation aspiring to Cup Series glory. The 23XI Racing tire strategy, shaped by data, experience, and a drive for excellence, now faces its biggest test yet as the team arrives in New Hampshire, eager to extend their playoff lifelines and chase another chapter of NASCAR success.
