Tyler Reddick, now a prominent driver for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, has provided enlightening perspectives on the dynamics between drivers and team owners, drawing from his earlier career with Brad Keselowski Racing. His experiences offer a rare glimpse into how championship-winning owner Brad Keselowski balanced a demanding schedule while fostering an environment that empowered his drivers, a theme that remains relevant for teams and fans alike.
Early Impressions Racing Under Brad Keselowski
Before standing out as a front-runner in the Cup Series, Reddick honed his skills in the Camping World Truck Series with Brad Keselowski Racing. He recollects a time when direct interaction with Keselowski was a luxury, as the owner’s commitments in the top NASCAR division, combined with media engagements, frequently kept him on the move. Despite these hurdles, Reddick understood the necessity of independence and self-reliance, seeing his owner only occasionally but always valuing those moments of connection. As he described in 2016:
“Aside from that, I try not to bug him too much more than that because, as a truck team, we may have time with a few weeks off, but we race back-to-back and run out of time throughout the week. I can’t imagine what he goes through, and he has a lot more media responsibilities and things he has to do. I don’t get to see him all the time, but when I get to talk to him, it’s great to see him around,”
—Tyler Reddick
Understanding a Team Owner’s Approach
Reddick never confused infrequent conversations with a lack of interest on Keselowski’s part. He recognized a distinct leadership style—one in which expectations were high but trust in the drivers’ capabilities was paramount. Keselowski sought performance at the front and drivers willing to battle for wins, a philosophy that proved fruitful during Reddick’s tenure.
Securing three victories over three seasons and finishing as championship runner-up in 2015, Reddick showed he could thrive with a hands-off yet supportive team owner. Throughout this journey, he gained insights into how a leader’s purpose could extend beyond results, emphasizing personal and professional growth for every driver under the team’s banner.
The Value of Approachability and Trust
Reddick pointedly avoided reducing Keselowski’s role to a single label, instead sharing how approachable and supportive he remained with his drivers. Even as a full-time Cup driver and Truck team owner, Keselowski made himself available as a mentor. Reddick highlighted these qualities, saying:
“Brad is obviously a Sprint Cup champion. But whenever he comes around, he is very much in tune with what we are doing with the trucks. He’ll say: If you feel this, maybe you should try this. He is always a great person to go to if you have any questions on anything,”
—Tyler Reddick
He added further insight into the atmosphere Keselowski cultivated at BKR:
“It’s a nice thing. You have an owner, but you have somebody that you can go to ask questions to. He has his advantages for sure,”
—Tyler Reddick
Transition to Xfinity and Organizational Change
After closing out his Truck Series stint by finishing ninth in 2016, Reddick stepped up to Xfinity racing, signaling a pivotal transition for both his career and Brad Keselowski Racing. Not long after Reddick’s departure, Keselowski decided to shutter his Truck Series program. The team’s final outings featured Ford F-150s fielded by drivers like Austin Cindric and Chase Briscoe, marking the end of a formative era for the organization.
Impact and Lasting Takeaways from Reddick’s Journey
Tyler Reddick’s reflections provide meaningful Tyler Reddick team owner insights, revealing how supportive leadership, even amidst significant distance and busy calendars, can shape a driver’s development in profound ways. The balance between independence and open communication that he experienced under Keselowski remains a touchstone for what many athletes hope to find in a team owner: someone who challenges, trusts, and remains available when it matters most.
