Michael Jordan carried his illustrious legacy from a basketball court to the racing circuit with a single-minded determination. He built an impressive team under his vigilant eyes and spared no expense in pursuit of his only goal—the coveted Cup. In the third year of 23XI Racing‘s establishment, Jordan is finally close to his desired goal.
However, reputed racing analyst Jordan Bianchi weighed in on the NBA Hall of Famer’s remaining playoff contender. The #45 Camry’s driver might have hopped on this far, but could he cling to the playoff ride till the Championship 4 race?
NASCAR insider predicted the next three races for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s #45 driver
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No one had expected Tyler Reddick to qualify for the third round of playoffs this season. Although Reddick has made two previous appearances in the Cup Series playoffs, he was eliminated after the first round both times. For a driver who scored his first Cup race win last season, Tyler Reddick definitely made heads turn this year.
With a runner-up finish in Darlington and a sensational win in Kansas, Michael Jordan’s driver showed he meant business this time. And the racing world paid attention. NASCAR insider Jordan Bianchi was uncertain about Reddick’s future prospects while entering the playoffs. But the driver’s performance forced the veteran reporter to change his tune.
In a conversation with motorsport journalist Jeff Gluck, Bianchi raved, “I think Reddick is going to be in the Championship 4, I really do.” Bianchi did not stop at this decisive pronouncement. He continued further and declared an incredible verdict for the 23XI racer.
It’s not over yet for the @tyler_reddick and the 45 team. On to the Round of 8️⃣ 🏁 pic.twitter.com/riYDrv2EkL
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) October 8, 2023
He claimed, “I think he’s going to win one of the next two races. I think he wins at Las Vegas or he wins at Homestead. Martinsville, he’s okay, he’s not great. But I don’t think it’s going to matter. I think he’s going to win one of the next two races.”
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Surely a moment of pride for his legendary team owner. But do the statistics match this speculation?
Can 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick actually reach the Champion 4?
The experts have envisioned Tyler Reddick in the final race. In order to execute it, he would have to face intense competition from champion drivers of Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. Additionally, there are three hurdles to overcome in the challenging pathway to Phoenix. As Bianchi already gathered, the short track of Martinsville would not be considered Reddick’s strong suit.
He has fared better in Las Vegas but hasn’t finished in the top 5 in his seven races on the track. Homestead could be the most promising with two out of top-5 finishes in three races, but zero wins. Why then was the racing analyst so confident about an upcoming victory?
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Because of his stunning Kansas win. With a recent triumph on a 1.5-mile track, the likelihood of repeating that feat on similar tracks in Las Vegas and Homestead became a reasonable expectation. If that were to happen, Tyler Reddick would have a one-race win-all opportunity in Phoenix.
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One thing is for certain. Michael Jordan would not be the only race enthusiast in anxious anticipation of the coming weeks.
Read More: Michael Jordan’s Forgotten Champion Snubs NASCAR Glory for Something Surprisingly Personal