Tyler Reddick playoff struggles intensified following a disappointing NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where the 23XI Racing driver encountered mechanical setbacks that disrupted his pursuit of a championship. The race, expected to set a strong playoff tone for Michael Jordan’s team, instead left Reddick and his crew searching for answers and facing daunting odds in the postseason chase.
Mechanical Failure Derails Reddick’s Promising Start
Arriving at New Hampshire with momentum and optimism, Tyler Reddick began the weekend on a high note, qualifying in fourth place ahead of prominent title contenders like Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney. Hopes were high for both Reddick and 23XI Racing as the #45 Toyota looked set for a competitive run at The Magic Mile. However, the positive start would not last. Despite displaying speed early on, Reddick’s performance unraveled when a braking issue developed just 29 laps into the 301-lap race, dropping the team out of contention.
This technical problem quickly transformed the race, turning Reddick’s top-ten aspirations into a scramble to stay inside the top 20. The Californian struggled to regain momentum as the mechanical troubles persisted, ultimately finishing 21st—a result well short of the team’s expectations and playoff ambitions. These difficulties left the team blindsided and frustrated, as plans for a decisive playoff opening were abruptly derailed.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Tyler Reddick said following the race:
“I didn’t expect that; that’s for sure. The way the race started I thought we were going to be able to run in the top 10 all day, but between the brake issues we had, and it just got away quick. The balance went away and then next thing you know we were trying to battle for 20th. Just a terrible day. Yeah, there’s just a lot of question marks, honestly.
His remarks captured the uncertainty surrounding the team. Reddick, who has established a reputation as a strong performer on intermediate tracks, found himself challenged by both technical setbacks and fading handling as the race unfolded, forcing a major rethink of the playoff strategy for both driver and crew chief.
“Places we have had speed at, we don’t bring speed. That’s been one of them for us. Yeah, we need something special to happen. I’m hoping we find the answer,” the #45 Toyota driver concluded.
Pressure Mounts as 23XI Racing Faces Elimination Threat
The New Hampshire setback was compounded by the fact that both 23XI Racing drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, ended their events outside the top 20. As the NASCAR Cup Series advances deeper into the playoffs, the stakes have escalated for both, with only three races in the Round of 12 to secure a place in the next round. This untimely misstep at New Hampshire now forces Reddick and teammate Wallace to deliver exceptional results at Kansas Speedway and the Charlotte Roval to remain in championship contention.
The playoff outlook for 23XI Racing has grown increasingly uncertain. Currently, Tyler Reddick sits 11th in the standings, trailing the elimination cutoff by 23 points. The situation is even more dire for Bubba Wallace, who is last among playoff drivers and 27 points adrift of the cutline. As the playoff field prepares for the critical upcoming races, both drivers are under mounting pressure to rebound and secure their continued run in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series title battle.
The team’s recent struggles arrive at a pivotal moment for both Reddick and Michael Jordan’s co-owned organization, with little margin for error remaining and the expectation of strong performances against powerhouse drivers like Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and previous champions such as Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson.
The Road Ahead for Reddick and 23XI Racing
With two races left in the Round of 12, the necessity for a turnaround is clear. Both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace must capitalize on every opportunity at Kansas and the Charlotte Roval to stave off elimination from the playoffs. The mechanical issues that derailed Reddick’s bid at New Hampshire now serve as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for 23XI Racing, which must identify and resolve the underlying performance setbacks if it hopes to challenge established teams like Hendrick Motorsports and maintain a viable title pursuit.
The intensely negative tone surrounding the recent slump underscores just how critical the coming weeks will be for all involved. With Michael Jordan, Yash Soni, and the broader NASCAR community closely watching, Reddick’s playoff fate and the resilience of his team will be pivotal narratives as the fiercely competitive postseason unfolds.
🦞🎣✌️@TylerReddick – P21@rileyherbst – P22@BubbaWallace – P26#teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/LNtQLfZ1Vz
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) September 21, 2025
