Denny Hamlin praises Tyler Reddick's epic Atlanta comeback

Hamlin compares Reddick's surge from 20th to 3rd in 3 laps to legendary moves by Dale Earnhardt

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Tyler Reddick overcame significant damage to his car to win Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of Reddick's 23XI Racing team, praised the driver's epic comeback, comparing it to the late Dale Earnhardt's ability to make up huge ground in short order on superspeedways.

Why it matters

Reddick's victory, coming after he won the season-opening Daytona 500, establishes him as an early championship contender. Hamlin's comparison to Earnhardt, one of NASCAR's all-time greats, underscores just how impressive Reddick's drive was and the potential he has shown in the young 2026 season.

The details

Reddick was running 20th on a Lap 244 restart at Atlanta when he rocketed through the field, moving up to 3rd place in just 3 laps. This came despite Reddick's car having significant damage to the right-front fender from an earlier wreck. Hamlin, whose 23XI Racing co-owns Reddick's team, said Reddick's surge was even more impressive than Earnhardt's trademark comebacks, joking that "Dale Earnhardt could never" do what Reddick did.

  • Reddick made his epic surge on a Lap 244 restart during Sunday's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
  • Reddick's victory at Atlanta came one week after he won the season-opening Daytona 500.

The players

Tyler Reddick

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who won the Daytona 500 and Atlanta Motor Speedway races to open the 2026 season.

Denny Hamlin

Co-owner of the 23XI Racing team that fields a car for Tyler Reddick.

Dale Earnhardt

A legendary NASCAR driver known for his ability to make up huge ground on the track in short order, especially at superspeedways.

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What they’re saying

“Dale Earnhardt could never, Hamlin said with a laugh on Tuesday's Actions Detrimental. 'Just kidding. But, remember Dale's big thing was 18th to third.'”

— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner (Actions Detrimental)

“This place over the years, man, it just puts on some amazing racing and handling matters here, but I don't know. I guess determination outweighs handling.”

— Tyler Reddick (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Reddick's ability to overcome significant damage and surge from the back of the field to the front in a matter of laps is a testament to his skill and determination. Hamlin's comparison to the legendary Dale Earnhardt underscores just how impressive this feat was, and establishes Reddick as an early championship contender in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.