Tyler Reddick Wins Third Straight Race for Michael Jordan's Team

The 23XI Racing driver makes history with a three-peat to start the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tyler Reddick, driving for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team, won his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race to start the 2026 season. Reddick held off a late charge from Shane van Gisbergen to become the first driver to win the first three races of a Cup Series season. Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, praised the team's efforts and Reddick's performance in the victory.

Why it matters

Reddick's historic three-peat to open the season is a significant accomplishment, as no driver has ever won the first three races of a Cup Series campaign. This early-season dominance establishes Reddick and 23XI Racing as serious championship contenders, while also highlighting the strong leadership and vision of team co-owner Michael Jordan in building a winning organization.

The details

In the race at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, Reddick held off a late challenge from Shane van Gisbergen to secure the victory. Reddick said he had to "minimize the mistakes" and "manage the gap" to van Gisbergen, who was closing in at the end. 23XI Racing crew chief Billy Scott was praised by team owner Michael Jordan for his strategic calls that helped Reddick claim the win.

  • Tyler Reddick won his third consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race on March 2, 2026.

The players

Tyler Reddick

The 26-year-old driver who has won the first three races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season for Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team.

Michael Jordan

The co-owner of 23XI Racing, the team for which Tyler Reddick drives. Jordan praised the team's efforts and Reddick's performance in the victory.

Shane van Gisbergen

The 32-year-old New Zealand driver who finished second to Tyler Reddick at Circuit of The Americas.

Billy Scott

The crew chief for Tyler Reddick's 23XI Racing team, who was credited by Michael Jordan for making strong strategic calls that contributed to the victory.

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What they’re saying

“It means the world. Yeah, it's so fitting. We get going at the end there and I'm leading and there's (Shane Van Gisbergen), the guy I've been trying to beat for a while now. Just to be able to out last him there and hold on for the win is just incredible.”

— Tyler Reddick, Race winner (nbcsports.com)

“It's time for change. Time for change, and the guys feel the same thing. Tyler came in with the most pressure, I guess. Everybody expected him or he had a chance to win three in a row, and that's the hardest one to win. He kept to his strategy, and man, the guys put together a great car.”

— Michael Jordan, Winning team owner (nbcsports.com)

“We lacked a little bit of turn and a little bit of drive. Tyler (Reddick, race winner) was just amazing. The way he was driving was really good and his car was good. We just didn't quite have enough, but it was a great points day for this No. 97 Chevrolet team, which is what we need for getting into the Chase.”

— Shane van Gisbergen, Second place finisher (nbcsports.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

Tyler Reddick's historic three-peat to start the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season establishes him and Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team as early championship favorites, while also highlighting Jordan's savvy in building a winning organization through strong leadership and strategic hires like crew chief Billy Scott.