Tyler Reddick playoff concerns have come to the forefront as the NASCAR driver and his 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace find themselves battling for survival in the 2025 Cup playoffs after strong early performances. Following a disappointing result at New Hampshire, both drivers dropped below the elimination line, raising intense questions about their ability to advance as the Kansas race approaches.
23XI Racing’s Strong Start Erodes Following New Hampshire Setback
23XI Racing, featuring Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, began this year’s playoff rounds in a commanding position, smoothly advancing through the initial phase. However, after the opening race of the Round of 12 at New Hampshire, their fortunes changed dramatically. Disappointing finishes for both Reddick and Wallace pushed the team out of playoff contention, undoing much of the momentum built in earlier competitions.
Historically, 23XI Racing has performed well at the Kansas track, fueling hopes for a rebound. Yet, the team’s recent failures to leverage their speed advantage over the last two seasons leave many uncertain about their ability to bounce back. This growing tension has led Reddick to publicly acknowledge his anxiety about qualifying for the next playoff round.
Reddick Shares His Anxiety and Playoff Challenges
In a candid interview prior to the Kansas weekend, Reddick admitted to feeling significant pressure given the team’s recent trajectory and changing conditions on the track. The playoff environment is more competitive than ever, amplifying the challenge for Reddick, Wallace, and the TRD team as they attempt to regain lost ground.
“I think we all know we got our a**es handed to us last week…I think (we’re) fairly nervous. We had a stretch here where it was a 23XI Toyota or a Toyota car in general, we had a pretty good record here to be able to win races. I look at the last two or three times we’ve been here we’ve been missing a little bit of something.
Tyler Reddick said via motorsport.com.
Reddick expressed that while the team has a strong record at Kansas, recent races have highlighted persistent shortcomings. They have not managed to fully utilize their competitive advantages, which in previous years translated into consistent top finishes and race wins.
Adapting to Technical Changes Poses Extra Hurdles
The NASCAR landscape has undergone notable changes, including alterations to car setups and Goodyear tire specifications. Adaptation has proven challenging for many teams, including 23XI Racing. Reddick revealed that staying current with these changes is demanding, and that much weighs on the outcome of the Kansas event.
“The car changes, the Goodyear tires change, so naturally you’ve got to keep up with it. I think it’s fair to be nervous, there’s a lot that weighs on this weekend that its super important for us to either win or run top-5 all day and score a lot of points.
Tyler Reddick added.
The team’s immediate target is to secure at least a top-five finish at Kansas, which would help accrue crucial points and potentially rescue their playoff campaign. Pressure is mounting as every race result now directly impacts their chances of progressing beyond the elimination round.
Assessing the Points Gap Before the Roval
Reddick, who pilots the No. 45 Toyota, also addressed his current point deficit and the strategy heading into the decisive Roval race. He detailed how tight the playoff battle has become, recognizing that both performance and a measure of fortune concerning other drivers’ results will influence the final outcome.
“I really haven’t run through that yet but I’m almost positive the last two seasons we’ve gone into the Roval below the cutline. You never want to go into that race in that position but you don’t want to go into that race in a tricky spot… My gut would say even if we are outside by 10 points, it’s doable.
Tyler Reddick said.
Though Reddick acknowledged that entering the Roval with a deficit is far from ideal, past experience has proven his ability to overcome such challenges. He remains optimistic about his chances, even if he finds himself ten points outside the elimination line, noting that he’s managed similar comebacks in previous playoff runs.
Prospects and Past Resilience Offer Cautious Confidence
Despite the current 23-point gap that 23XI Racing must bridge, Reddick remains cautiously hopeful. He explained that success will hinge not only on his individual drive, but also on under-performance by several other playoff drivers. Experience from previous seasons, where deficits were overcome, adds to Reddick’s belief in the team’s ability to stay in the hunt.
“Sitting where we are minus 23 points outside, that’s a pretty hard number to overcome. That’s counting on others not getting stage points…I would love to win and not worry about this next week, but we’ve been able to overcome a deficit twice over the last few years. That does give me confidence.
Tyler Reddick added.
While the situation is daunting, Reddick’s determination, combined with the team’s history of late-season rallies, keeps spirits from collapsing entirely. However, the pressure to perform is immense, and both driver and crew are aware of the stakes attached to every remaining lap in the playoffs.
The Road Ahead for Reddick and 23XI Racing
As the Kansas race draws near, all eyes remain on Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace to see if they can revive their playoff ambitions. The TRD-backed team needs strong results, improved adaptation to technical changes, and a measure of good fortune to advance. With the playoff elimination threat looming, what happens next will determine whether the team’s early-season dominance translates into a deep playoff run or an early exit.
The next round at Kansas, followed by the pivotal Roval race, will serve as defining moments for Reddick, Wallace, and 23XI Racing. Their ability to handle intense pressure and capitalize on every opportunity will ultimately shape the outcome of this high-stakes playoff campaign.
