English
Español
Tyler Reddick recreates iconic Michael Jordan moment after COTA win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tyler Reddick didn’t just make NASCAR history, he also paid homage to the man who helped build his team.
Reddick held off Shane van Gisbergen over the final 20 laps Sunday to win the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix, becoming the first driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to win the opening three races of a season.
After climbing from his No. 45 Toyota, Reddick celebrated with an unmistakable gesture by raising three fingers in a nod to 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan and his iconic three-peat championships with the Chicago Bulls.
— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) March 2, 2026
“It’s one race, but it was so important,” Reddick said. “It’s so fitting to get three in a row and make history.”
23XI Racing is co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin and has surged to the forefront of the sport in 2026. Jordan exchanged high-fives with the pit crew as Reddick crossed the finish line and later praised the organization’s foundation.
“I’m proud of the team we put together,” Jordan said, crediting Hamlin as the “mastermind” behind the operation. “I just put up the money. Denny’s done an incredible job building this team.”
Reddick’s 11th career victory and second at COTA extended his points lead to 70 and denied van Gisbergen a record-tying sixth consecutive road-course win.
More: DuraMax Texas Grand Prix: The trickiest turns for abbreviated road course at COTA
“You see SVG coming back, you get a little nervous,” Jordan said. “But I think he had him covered the whole day.”
Reddick delivered then celebrated like a champion in the same way Jordan did over 30 years ago.
More NASCAR News:
- Michael Jordan outshines NBA's ASG with first-time Daytona 500 winner
- What Michael Jordan said in victory lane after Daytona 500 win
- Tyler Reddick refused to address exchange between Michael Jordan and his son
- NASCAR schedule 2026: Dates, times, TV channels, live streams
- Jimmie Johnson announces retirement plans before racing in Daytona 500