Tyler Reddick makes NASCAR history, dominating Circuit of the Americas for his third-straight season-opening victory and fending off road-racing legend Shane van Gisbergen
AUSTIN, Texas - In a season that's already rewriting the record books, Tyler Reddick has cemented his status as the hottest driver in NASCAR. On Sunday, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, Reddick piloted his No. 45 Toyota Camry to victory in the DuraMax Texas Grand Prix, claiming his third-straight win to open the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This feat makes him the first driver in the sport's history to achieve such a start.
Reddick's triumph at COTA wasn't just another checkered flag; it was a dominant performance that silenced any doubters questioning the legitimacy of his early-season surge. Starting from the pole, he led a race-high 58 laps in the 96-lap event, showcasing the superior setup provided by 23XI Racing.
Unlike his previous victories at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway—both wild-card tracks where chaos and strategy played massive roles—this win was a statement of pure speed and execution.
At Daytona, Reddick capitalized on a last-lap pass to break a grueling 38-race winless streak that spanned his entire 2025 season.
A week later at Atlanta, he overcame a damaged fender from a multi-car wreck, charging back in double overtime to secure the win.
But at COTA, a challenging 2.4-mile road course known for its elevation changes and technical turns, 23XI clearly delivered the best car on the grid.
What made this victory even more impressive was Reddick's head-to-head battle with Shane van Gisbergen, widely regarded as the greatest road course racer in NASCAR history. The New Zealander, driving for Trackhouse Racing, entered the weekend on a five-race road course winning streak in Cup competition, just one shy of Jeff Gordon's record.
Van Gisbergen, who has dominated twisty layouts since his stunning debut win at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, pushed Reddick hard in the final stage. Yet, Reddick not only held him off but pulled away, crossing the finish line with a comfortable margin. Finishing second, van Gisbergen later praised Reddick's pace, noting the 23XI car's edge in key sectors.
This hot streak comes after a tumultuous period for Reddick. Following a winless 2025 campaign—his first full season without a victory since entering the Cup Series full-time in 2020—he entered 2026 with a renewed fire.
Personal challenges added fuel to that intensity: his young son, Rookie, faced health issues last year, pulling at Reddick's focus. Additionally, 23XI Racing navigated a high-profile lawsuit against NASCAR over charter agreements, which was resolved in late 2025.
Now, Reddick drives with a "refuse to lose" mentality, channeling adversity into on-track dominance.
Behind the scenes, 23XI Racing's ascent is undeniable. Co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, the team has poured resources into development, with Jordan's all-in investment paying dividends. MJ was trackside at COTA, celebrating with the crew— a scene of pure joy that's become synonymous with Reddick's wins this year.
The organization's hard work has transformed them from playoff contenders to the team everyone is chasing week-in and week-out.
With these three victories on diverse tracks— a superspeedway, an intermediate with superspeedway characteristics, and a road course—Reddick looks like a complete driver capable of winning anywhere. He now holds a massive points lead, 70 points through three races, making this his championship to lose.
If 23XI can maintain this momentum on traditional ovals like Las Vegas or Phoenix, the domination we've seen might just be the prelude to a championship season for the ages.
For the first time, Reddick and 23XI are the undisputed frontrunners, leaving the rest of the field playing catch-up.
As Reddick climbed atop his car in victory lane, raising his arms amid fireworks and cheers, it was clear: this isn't a fluke. It's the dawn of a new era in NASCAR.