Hot start continues for Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team as Tyler Reddick takes Darlington pole
DARLINGTON, S. C. (AP) — The NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan continued its strong 2026 start in the Cup Series, locking up the top two starting spots Saturday at Darlington Raceway.
Daytona 500 winner Tyler Reddick, the first driver in NASCAR history to win the season’s first three races , qualified first for Sunday’s 400-mile race with a 169. 152 mph lap on the 1. 366-mile oval.
The 23XI Racing driver captured his 13th pole position despite smacking the wall with his No. 45 Toyota as he struggled with a new package that makes driving harder with higher horsepower and lower downforce . “I tried to take it easy and just overdid the throttle,” Reddick said.
“I kind of knew I was in trouble about a third of the way through, so I just had to hit the wall at that point. “Just really proud of everyone at 23XI. It was a huge focal point with the adjustments to the engine and downforce to stay as strong as we have been the last couple of years.
I knew it would be a huge challenge in qualifying today, and it was. I damn near wrecked. ” Teammate Bubba Wallace qualified second at 168.