23XI Racing's Rise: Is it Time for a NASCAR 'Big Four'?

Tyler Reddick's historic start to the 2026 season has 23XI Racing forcing the question: Is it time to rethink the 'Big Three' and start talking about a 'Big Four'?

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:45pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a NASCAR race scene, with the cars, drivers, and track broken down into abstract shapes and colors, conveying the speed and energy of the sport.The rapid rise of 23XI Racing has shaken up the traditional NASCAR power structure, forcing a rethinking of the sport's 'Big Three' teams.Indianapolis Today

For decades, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske have reigned supreme as the undisputed titans of NASCAR. But with Tyler Reddick's historic start to the 2026 season—becoming the first driver to win the first three races—23XI Racing is forcing the question: Is it time to rethink the 'Big Three' and start talking about a 'Big Four'?

Why it matters

While some argue that consistent championships and decades of dominance are the only criteria for inclusion, others believe 23XI's rapid rise and recent achievements deserve recognition. The debate centers on whether sustained dominance over decades matters more than rapid, impactful success.

The details

23XI Racing's meteoric ascent since its debut in 2021 has been impressive, with Bubba Wallace's Brickyard 400 win in 2025, Reddick's Daytona 500 victory, and a road course win—all within the span of a few years. Reddick's regular season championship in 2024, coupled with Wallace's consistent performance, shows a team firing on all cylinders.

  • In 2021, 23XI Racing made its debut in NASCAR.
  • In 2025, Bubba Wallace won the Brickyard 400 for 23XI Racing.
  • In 2026, Tyler Reddick won the first three races of the season, becoming the first driver to do so.

The players

23XI Racing

A NASCAR team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin that has been rapidly rising in the sport, challenging the established 'Big Three' teams.

Tyler Reddick

A driver for 23XI Racing who has had a historic start to the 2026 season, winning the first three races.

Bubba Wallace

A driver for 23XI Racing who won the Brickyard 400 in 2025, adding to the team's growing list of accomplishments.

Hendrick Motorsports

One of the 'Big Three' NASCAR teams that has dominated the sport for decades.

Joe Gibbs Racing

One of the 'Big Three' NASCAR teams that has dominated the sport for decades.

Team Penske

One of the 'Big Three' NASCAR teams that has dominated the sport for decades.

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What they’re saying

“We're doing a disservice by not acknowledging what they've built in such a short time.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Writer, The Athletic

“This isn't a fluke. They've been steadily improving, and their accomplishments speak for themselves.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Writer, The Athletic

What’s next

The debate over whether 23XI Racing should be considered part of NASCAR's 'Big Four' is likely to continue as the team continues to perform at a high level and challenge the established powerhouses.

The takeaway

23XI Racing's rapid rise has forced the NASCAR community to reconsider the traditional 'Big Three' teams and whether a 'Big Four' designation is warranted. The team's recent accomplishments, including Reddick's historic start to the 2026 season, have made a strong case for their inclusion among the sport's elite.