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HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 16: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #2 Tame the Beast Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
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HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 16: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #2 Tame the Beast Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Ford EcoBoost 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Kyle Larson and Tyler Reddick might just have a lot more in common than people think. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind is that they are both full-time Cup Series drivers now, and with good teams as well.
But dialing back on their racing careers’ progression, both drivers have traversed journeys in short tracks, dirt tracks and late models racing. Larson and Reddick are incidentally former Xfinity Series ‘Rookie of the Year’ award holders as well.
Ahead of the Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami on Sunday, Larson has heaped praise on Reddick. Speaking in an interview, he reveals how their driving styles are quite similar.
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Doesn’t ever try to waste any time, said Kyle Larson about Reddick
Larson stated, “Our aggressive driving style definitely tends to suit running against the wall. So, it was always fun watching him at Homestead, he was always the most exciting guy to watch in the Xfinity and then the Cup race last year.”
“I feel like when I’m watching him, I feel like I’m watching myself ‘cause he’s really aggressive.”
In a previous appearance on the ‘Waltrip Unfiltered Podcast’, host Michael Waltrip had revealed to Larson some words of appreciation from Reddick. The pair then definitely seem to have a sense of mutual respect and admiration towards each other’s racecraft.
"I feel like when I'm watching him, I'm watching myself."@KyleLarsonRacin and @TylerReddick both came from similar racing backgrounds, and talked about their aggressive run-the-wall strategy at @HomesteadMiami: https://t.co/Mmy0W3ypJk pic.twitter.com/cbUn0lXBoA
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) February 26, 2021
Larson continued, “He runs really hard and really close to the wall. But not only that, just his moves trying to pass people and stuff, he doesn’t ever try to waste any time. He likes to get there and get it done quick, and I feel like that’s how I am.”
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Both Reddick and Larson have good track records at Homestead-Miami
Larson, by virtue of greater experience than Reddick, has good numbers in both the Cup and Xfinity Series at this venue. Achieving three Top-5 finishes that also includes three stage wins, the 28-year-old even has a win from his 2015 Xfinity Series season.
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RICHMOND, VA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Larson, driver of the #42 Target Chevrolet, celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
But Reddick himself has accumulated consecutive race wins in the 2018 and 2019 Xfinity campaigns. In addition, he also notched up a brilliant fourth place finish last year in his rookie Cup season.
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So if and when they battle each other at Homestead-Miami this weekend, it will certainly be a sight to savor. But that said, they will look to better their camaraderie in the paddock even as time passes.
MORE – “Really Good Shot” – Kyle Larson Targets NASCAR Win at His ‘Best Track’ in Homestead-Miami Race
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