Can Student Surpass the Master? Tyler Reddick Could Be Boss Denny Hamlin’s Biggest Roadblock at Kansas

The Cup Series paddock has landed at the Kansas Speedway for the second playoff race. Kyle Larson is already sitting pretty after winning last weekend in Darlington. However, the pressure is amping up for the other 15 playoff contenders to fill the remaining 11 slots. Among the contenders are the Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing’s star driver, Tyler Reddick. Both drivers are in good form and will be hunting for a race win.

Hamlin is one of the favorites, as he won at the Kansas Speedway earlier this year. That win was his fourth career win at the venue, and as a result, he has the best odds of +500 odds to triumph for a second time this season. The victory would automatically seal his berth into the Round of 12, joining Kyle Larson.

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Where does Tyler Reddick fit into the equation?

The 23XI Racing driver has been in excellent form in the 2023 Cup Series season. Currently, he boasts of a +900 chance of reaching victory lane in Kansas and booking his berth in the next round. Last weekend at the Darlington Raceway, he finished 2nd behind Larson, coming ever so close to that round of 12 spot.

Now the big question is, can Reddick go all the way in Kansas and beat his own boss, Denny Hamlin? The driver is certainly talented enough, given that he has a race win at Circuit of the Americas under his belt. In addition to that, he has been fairly consistent in his performances and outshining his teammate Bubba Wallace.

Can Denny Hamlin be the next driver to reach the Round of 12?

As mentioned before, the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver has won at Kansas before. Since he is the most successful driver at the venue, there will be all the more pressure heaped on him. However, Hamlin is vastly experienced and he can be quite aggressive on the track. Kyle Larson can attest to that after being on the end of such treatment earlier this year.

However, would Denny Hamlin actually try such a stunt on his own driver and car? To be frank, it would create an awful row between himself and co-owner Michael Jordan. After all, the 23XI Racing team does need the points in order to compete for the Team’s championship.

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