Reddick To 23XI Racing in 2024

Reported By: Tom Luttermoser

"I watched him, I raced against him, I wanted him, and I got him" - Denny Hamlin

During the 23XI/Toyota Racing press conference with  Denny Hamlin (Co-Owner of 23XI Racing w/Michael Jordan), Tyler Reddick joined "accidentally" on the wrong media session in a second screen, with members of the media even laughing at this apparent mistake. Denny then introduced their new driver for 2024. "Actually I don't think he did, I would like to announce to the media that today I would like to formally announce Tyler Reddick is a part of a future member of the 23XI and Toyota Racing Family starting in 2024". Denny slid his seat over as if to get to one side of the video, Tyler proceeded to slide on over into the main feed with Denny and shook his hand "hi buddy".

Denny stated that the conversation started casually with Tyler actually reaching out to the team saying " I love what you're doing". Hamlin stated he asked Tyler about his future and asked permission from the OEM (Toyota) to pursue Tyler. Toyota wholeheartedly agreed that it was a good direction for the team. Denny also stated that they do not yet know the sponsors or which car, that they just planted their feet. "I watched him, I raced against him, I wanted him, I got him." Denny Hamlin stated.

During the conference, Denny was asked if Tyler would be replacing Kurt Busch. Denny relied that so long  as Kurt wanted a job that he would have one at 23XI Racing. That "if he want's to race until he is 48 (2 more years), that he would have a ride. It was stated that the team will find out which car in the future, that it is not yet set in stone.

When asked why Tyler made the decision to move to 23XI from his current team at Richard Childress Racing, he responded "Well for me, just seeing where 23XI has started and where they're going... it has been very obvious to me that the ramp that they're on and how they're improving was very exciting to me and I wanted to be a part of that." He also in the same bit, referenced Toyota and their commitment to the Sport and 23XI as another exciting reason that "heavily influenced" his decision. 

Tyler said that he was extremely grateful for the opportunities granted to him by Richard Childress Racing to be a 2x Xfinity Series Champion, his first Cup Series rides in the 31 car and obviously.. most recently, his first Cup Series win at Road America. Tyler stated that he is devoted to RCR until the end of 2023 and will compete for championships in the next season and a half. He however also stated that "it shouldn't have been a total shock" to RCR that he was leaving. That he made it known he would be looking into other opportunities. 

RCR's official response on all Social Media was as follows, "We're proud of the success Tyler Reddick has found at Richard Childress Racing. We're focused on winning a championship in 2022 and 2023, although timing of this announcement could not be any worse".

My fellow freelance NASCAR reporter Daniel McFadin reached out to an RCR executive and received the response that he then posted on Twitter, "We were shocked to hear the news today". With that statement, it is fairly clear either Tyler informed his current team just before the public announcement or not at all.

Lots of questions such as Reddick's car, sponsors and his replacement at RCR will obviously be answered within the next few months to a year or so, make sure you keep up with us here as we keep you completely up to date on the breaking Tyler Reddick/23XI news.