Tyler Reddick Retakes Lead in NASCAR Overtime for Monday Michigan Win

Throughout the summer, Tyler Reddick has been on the brink of achieving Victory Lane in the NASCAR Cup Series. After a series of nearly successful attempts and registering nine top-eight finishes in the last ten events, the No. 45 team has finally made it.

The driver from 23XI Racing clinically clinched victory in Monday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. He made a strategic move in NASCAR Overtime, wresting the lead from William Byron.

Reddick appeared set to win the race with a lead of over two seconds and just five laps left, until Martin Truex Jr. lost control and crashed significantly into the outer wall.

When the race entered NASCAR Overtime, there was a point where Reddick no longer had control of the race. This happened after Byron, driving his No. 24 RaptorTough.com Chevrolet Camaro, managed to take the lead by slipping inside.

Ross Chastain’s spin necessitated a second overtime restart. Mirroring a move done to him moments before, Reddick reclaimed the race lead and managed to distance himself from the trailing pack.

“When asked about the final restart move, Reddick praised Ty Gibbs, saying, ‘Just a great teammate, fantastic push by him. That’s what it’s all about. The Toyota family always tries to look out for each other.'”

The victory marked the seventh for Reddick in the NASCAR Cup Series, and his second of the year. Since his triumph at Talladega in April, the Corning, California native had recorded four podium finishes, but not returned to the winner’s circle.

Monday’s triumph is extra special for Reddick, whose long-time mentor and dirt late model legend Scott Bloomquist passed away on Friday in a plane crash near his home in Tennessee.

“It’s been quite a while. The experience has been absolutely fantastic. As I sit here in Victory Lane, I can’t help but think of Scott Bloomquist. He has been a tremendous mentor and an incredible role model to me, a true legend in the world of dirt racing and motorsports,” Reddick expressed. “The past few days have been challenging. However, this victory certainly makes it easier. This win is dedicated to him, his family, and his friends. They all meant a great deal to him.”

Despite being in a slight slump, William Byron delivered a commendable performance, finishing second after demonstrating strong driving skills on both Sunday and Monday. This has been the best finish for No. 24 since the mid-June race in Iowa.

Ty Gibbs, a hopeful for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, secured his sixth top-five finish of the season by landing his No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry XSE in third place.

Following a strategic decision to change two tires on the final green-flag pit stop, Kyle Busch managed to secure a fourth-place finish for Richard Childress Racing. This marks the first time the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion has placed in the top five since the Dover race in May.

Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher, teammates from RFK Racing, were unable to defend the organization’s victory at Michigan International Speedway, ending up in fifth and sixth place.

Zane Smith achieved his second top-10 finish of the season, coming in seventh at the two-mile speedway. Daniel Suarez, Denny Hamlin, and Carson Hocevar, Smith’s Spire Motorsports teammate, completed the top-10.

Hamlin was poised for victory in the early stages of the event, which took place on Sunday. However, due to bad weather, the final 149 laps were postponed to Monday. He spun on the frontstretch, resulting in minor underbody damage to his No. 11 Toyota Camry XSE, which affected his chances.

Kyle Larson, who led a race-high 41 laps in the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, finished a disappointing 34th, after breaking loose in traffic and causing a seven-car pileup.

In terms of volume, that was the biggest wreck of the afternoon, but on Lap 137, Corey LaJoie had a scary accident on the backstretch where his No. 7 Chevrolet went airborne, slid on its roof, and tumbled down in the turn three grass. LaJoie was able to climb from his car, and was checked and released from the infield care center.

The race included seven caution flags, which were displayed for 41 laps, along with 26 lead changes between 16 drivers. The 26 lead changes equaled the number from last year’s Michigan event, which Chris Buescher won.

Tyler Reddick currently leads by 10 points over 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott as they depart from Michigan, with only two events remaining in the regular season. Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Ryan Blaney complete the top five.

Photo: Jacy Norgaard, LAT Images for Toyota Racing