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SONOMA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and co-owner of 23XI Racing waits in the #23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 06, 2021 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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SONOMA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 06: NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and co-owner of 23XI Racing waits in the #23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 06, 2021 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
For some strange reason, some people wondered if Tyler Reddick would be considered for 23XI Racing this year. Now that he has been eliminated from the Playoffs, he is not in contention. Truthfully speaking, he was a candidate to replace the injured Kurt Busch, but 23XI Racing can’t do a deal to buy out Reddick.
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Later on this week, the NASCAR Cup Series conducted a test at the Homestead Miami Speedway. Naturally, all of the teams unveiled the participating drivers for the test sessions. It was interesting to note that 23XI Racing was going to field John Hunter Nemechek on the first day of the test on Tuesday. The following day, Bubba Wallace and Ty Gibbs will be sharing driving duties with the car.
READ MORE: NASCAR Owners Rick Hendrick vs Michael Jordan Net Worth Battle: Who Is the Richer NASCAR Team Owner?
Who did they get to replace Kurt Busch for the campaign?
According to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Nemechek was one of the favorites to take over for the indisposed Kurt Busch. However, Joe Gibbs Racing eventually decided to field Ty Gibbs instead. Interestingly though, Gibbs will soon be embroiled in the Xfinity Series championship battle.
Nemechek was potential replacement for Kurt Busch before decision made to go with Ty Gibbs & could be in car if decision made to have Gibbs focus on Xfinity title. I believe JHN would be a candidate for 45 Cup car if KuBusch can't return and team can't do a deal to buyout Reddick https://t.co/MxVnnm5acN
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 19, 2022
John hunter getting seat Time for 23/XI
— MatthewBeaber (@BeaberMatthew) September 19, 2022
Of course, Reddick is in a very tricky position for the 2023 Cup Series season. This is because Richard Childress Racing has recruited Kyle Busch for the upcoming season in the #8 car. That leaves Reddick without a ride, unless Richard Childress makes good on his promise to field three cars. If that does happen, then it should be enough to tide him over until he jumps ship to 23XI Racing in 2024.
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Kurt Busch, driver of the #45 Monster Energy Toyota, sog during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 64th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Not so sure Bob, RC was pretty adamant Reddick has a contract through 2023, I think he will make him adhere to that.
— @racergirl19 (@needsspeedin19) September 19, 2022
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💵💵💵💵💵🗣🗣🗣 https://t.co/va5pLENRS7
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 19, 2022
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All in all, the NASCAR Silly Season is living up to its name. Especially since RCR would want Tyler Reddick to honour his contract with them. Now, one has to wonder where Ty Gibbs and John Hunter Nemechek figure in all this. Hopefully, the two drivers will find seats for themselves for the 2023 NASCAR season. Whether it will be in the Cup or Xfinity or even the Truck Series, is anyone’s guess.
WATCH THIS STORY: Bubba Wallace Opens Up on the Alternative Career That Would’ve Seen Him Cross Paths With Michael Jordan Way Before 23XI Racing Existed
