BY: EDDIE KALEGI AND ADAM TROPPER
Photo Credit: Jared C. Tilton (Getty Images)
After Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session at Dover Motor Speedway, both Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin spoke with the media. Although their eyes were set on the “Monster Mile,” many were still focused on Reddick’s thrilling triumph at Talladega.
It wasn’t Reddick or 23XI Racing’s first visit to victory lane, but it was the first time in the organization’s four year history that co-owner and six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan was on-site for a win.
Reddick, who took the checkered flag in the signature “Jumpman” paint scheme, called the victory a “huge boost” and a “big moment” for the organization. “Michael plays such a huge role on this team where it’s gone in a short time, so it’s just an incredible moment to be able to have him celebrate in victory lane.”
Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing alongside Jordan, had mixed emotions as a wreck late in the race relegated him to a 37th place finish in his #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Hamlin was very pleased to see how Jordan’s presence impacted both his own team and NASCAR as a whole. “When the gasman or whoever is able to celebrate and hug with Michael Jordan on the frontstretch it all matters for team camaraderie and whatnot. He [Michael] has a huge following. You know when media outlets outside of NASCAR pick it up it’s obviously good for us, so it just shows how important he is to this sport.”
Hamlin did comment on the fact that he finished poorly himself however, saying that “I was torn because I just had a bad day myself, so I had to flip a switch as well as I could for that next hour or so after the race. I slept on it and then I started feeling better the next day about the win for the 45. But I’m such a competitor that it’s hard for me to turn off that I had a crummy day myself while I’m still racing.”
Regardless, it is clear that the momentum is definitely in 23XI’s favor. The organization sent both its full-time entries to the playoffs last season, and is currently one of just three teams with multiple cars in the top twelve in the standings, alongside mainstays Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Following an unbelievable triumph at Talladega, Reddick and company will look to ride the wave for as long as possible.
Follow us on X @MtrsprtsToday for coverage throughout the day tomorrow as the NASCAR Cup Series takes on Dover Motor Speedway, and stay tuned for content from the race weekend this week on WRSU and Spotify!