Tyler Reddick, who has previously proven himself as a regular-season champion and collected three victories last year, heads to Kansas Speedway with 23XI Racing playoff hopes hanging in the balance. Entering this critical contest, he sits 11th in the NASCAR Round of 12 standings, trailing the elimination line by 23 points, making Sunday’s event a defining moment for his season ambitions and his team’s playoff prospects.
Mixed History at Kansas Adds to the Challenge
Reddick’s track record at Kansas Speedway is a study in contrasts for both him and 23XI Racing. While the site was the backdrop for his clutch victory that propelled him into last year’s playoffs, his three most recent appearances there have yielded underwhelming results—finishing 17th, 25th, and 20th, respectively. These outcomes have prompted a sense of urgency ahead of one of the year’s most decisive weekends.
Team Optimism Balanced with Caution and Nerves
The driver of the No. 45 Toyota enters Kansas wary of the venue’s challenges, but he draws encouragement from the competitive legacy both Toyota and the 23XI Racing stable have built at the track. In pre-race conversations, Reddick acknowledged that adapting to the evolving car setups and ever-changing Goodyear tires is part of the weekly grind. Still, he stressed that the stakes and pressure at Kansas are unusually high this time around.
“I’d say the last two or three times we’ve been here, we’ve just been missing a little bit of something. And yeah, the car changes. The Goodyear tires change. So naturally, you got to keep up with it. So yeah, I think it’s fair to be nervous. There’s a lot that weighs on this weekend. It’s super important for us to either win or run top five all day and score a lot of points.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver
“I think it’s fair to be nervous. There’s a lot that weighs on this weekend.”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver
Bouncing Back After Adversity
After a difficult finish at New Hampshire, Reddick highlighted that both he and the 23XI Racing team are focused and working diligently to prepare for Kansas, the latest 1.5-mile oval on the calendar. He pointed out that recent adversity, such as their struggles at Loudon, has sharpened the collective resolve as they try to seize two remaining chances—either by securing a race win or by amassing the points needed to extend their playoff journey.
Looking for Strength in Familiar Territory
Reddick remains hopeful thanks to his team’s track record at similar circuits. In 2023, the No. 45 group delivered competitive cars at other mile-and-a-half layouts—a template that Kansas also fits. The ever-changing nature of the NASCAR season offers both an opportunity and a challenge, according to Reddick, who remains aware of the sport’s unpredictability as teams work to stay ahead of rivals and adapt to shifting conditions.
“There’s been a lot of time for things to change, people to catch up, people to fall behind,”
— Tyler Reddick, Driver
What’s at Stake for 23XI Racing at Kansas
For Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing, this Kansas race represents a crucial junction in their playoff campaign. A strong showing—ideally a victory—could revive their playoff run, while another setback may cut their hopes short. The coming weekend will test not only their technical preparation but also their emotional resilience, as every point matters in the quest to remain in championship contention at NASCAR’s highest level.
"I think it's fair to be nervous. There's a lot that weighs on this weekend." @TylerReddick touched on 23XI Racing's recent performance, full season points and what to expect this weekend. #NASCAR
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— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) September 27, 2025
