“He’s a Diamond in the Rough” – Kurt Busch Compares Tyler Reddick to Hendrick Motorsports Champion as He Takes Up a New Role

Tyler Reddick is a name that has been making waves in the NASCAR circuit lately. The young driver, who recently joined 23XI Racing in the #45 car, has caught the attention of veteran racers such as Kurt Busch. Speaking on the Motor Racing Network’s NASCAR Live podcast, Busch had nothing but admiration for Reddick.

Reddick’s move to 23XI Racing has been one of the biggest talking points of the past NASCAR offseason. Initially set to join the team in 2024, Reddick’s early exit from Richard Childress Racing opened up the opportunity for him to replace Kurt Busch in the #45 Toyota Camry.

“It’s great that it’s out there. This is the direction we’re going next year. […] I am definitely excited about it,” Reddick said in an interview with NBC Sports.

What sets Reddick apart, according to Busch, is his dirt racer mentality. “He is like a young Kyle Larson,” said Busch, in the podcast.

“He just goes, he has that racer… dirt racer mentality, he just goes a 100%.”

“Would have to fine-tune little things here or there, but, you know, Billy’s a smart crew chief, Bootie Barker, Bubba… there’s really good group of guys to all bounce ideas off of and I’m just here to sprinkle a little salt n pepper.”

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Reddick will be working with a team of experienced crew chiefs, including Billy Scott, who previously worked with Busch in the #41 car at Stewart-Haas Racing in 2018.

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Busch, who has worked with Reddick’s new crew chief Billy Scott before, believes that Reddick has what it takes to succeed in NASCAR.

“He’s a diamond in the rough,” Busch said. “But with the group of guys at 23XI Racing, I’m sure they’ll be able to get the most out of him.”  Safe to say, Reddick has big shoes to fill.

Busch, a 2004 Cup Series champion, will be missed by his fans and teammates. In addition to being a seasoned driver, Busch brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team. However, he will still be involved with 23XI Racing as a consultant to help with Reddick’s development.

Busch’s contributions to the team are all the more impressive when you consider the physical challenges he has been facing. In a recent interview, he revealed that he has been undergoing physical therapy to improve his balance, a crucial skill for any driver. He has managed to continue participating in go-karting and simulation racing, but the movement generated when his head is against the headrest is still problematic.

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For Reddick, the move to 23XI Racing represents a fresh start and a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. And with the support of his new team, he could very well become the next big thing in NASCAR. As Busch put it, “He has that mentality of just keep going a 100%.”