It is no secret how 23XI Racing has been pushing hard to see their drivers make it to the playoffs this season. With both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick doing a decent job this campaign, there was no reason to be pessimistic about it. However, Michael Jordan’s team suffered a massive blow at Michigan International Speedway. This time around, it was because of a self-induced problem.
Time and again this season, the 23XI Racing crew has come under a lot of scrutiny. While they are expected to step up and help their drivers, their slip-up at Michigan cost Tyler Reddick immensely.
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Michael Jordan’s team leaves driver Tyler Reddick fuming at Michigan International Speedway
Sunday saw an unexpected halt at the Michigan International Speedway as rain played a spoilsport. While the race was touted to continue on Monday, Tyler Reddick led at the time of race suspension. With 126 laps remaining on Monday, Reddick performed well to pose a strong challenge to finish at the top.
While Martin Truex Jr. displayed some world-class driving, the 23XI Racing driver was no less until things changed drastically for him. With 43 laps to go, both Reddick and the eventual winner Chris Buescher peeled off to the pit. It was a tactical move from both drivers so as to go full throttle with their final run.
It was then that the tire replacement took place, but unfortunately for Reddick, he got his right rear wheel loose just after leaving the pit road. Because of this, the 27-year-old had to return to the pit road, creating a massive gap between the leaders and him.
One, two, three, four!
FOUR censor beeps for Tyler Reddick. 🤬
Watch on @USANetwork. pic.twitter.com/ZNUGPmzqGC
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) August 7, 2023
Undoubtedly, Reddick was furious with the reckless approach from Michael Jordan’s crew. It was in frustration that he vented out the f-word four times and reportedly quoted, “You didn’t even look at it! Didn’t even check it! F**king bullsh*t! Unacceptable!”
Reddick is justifiably heated.
🗣️ "You didn't even look at it! Didn't even check it! F*cking bullshit! Unacceptable!"
May have misquoted a swear word or two, but you get the point here.
CC Billy Scott says he agrees.
— Davey Segal (@DaveyCenter) August 7, 2023
He had every reason to be unhappy about it. After the impressive race he had, he deserved to have been at least challenging until the end. Certainly, it was a big blunder from a team reportedly with a net worth of $150 million.
It was truly heartbreaking for the #45 driver. Even the fans echoed his annoyance. After all, this was not the first time the 23XI Racing crew has been guilty of such an act.
Fans sympathize as the 23XI Racing crew lets Tyler Reddick down at Michigan International Speedway
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While Tyler Reddick could have doubled his tally in Michigan, it wasn’t meant to be for him. In fact, the California-born driver was left devastated as he finished 30th in the race. Surely, the 23XI Racing crew should be taking responsibility here.
Mistakes like these at the highest level could turn out to be dangerous. No wonder why the fans slammed Michael Jordan’s crew on Twitter.
“How many times has this crew screwed him over???”
“Reddick a better man then me, I would’ve just stepped out of the car and left the track right there.”
“This pit crew is ridiculous”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Exposes the Biggest Problem With Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Team
“Poor Reddick. His crew owes him big time.”
“He has every right to be mad I’d be swearing like a sailor if it was me”
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It is unfair what happened with Reddick. While that’s part of the sport, Michael Jordan certainly needs to have a deeper look at his crew’s on-track performances this season. Imagine a mistake like this in the play-off, that would have been criminal.