Tyler Reddick Admits Michael Jordan Wasn’t “Expecting a Lot” From Him, But It Was a Ploy for the Best

Two-time Xfinity Series Champion Tyler Reddick made the switch from Richard Childress Racing to Michael Jordan‘s 23XI Racing for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series. Driving for the NBA icon and meeting him would have been a big deal for the three-time Cup Series race winner. The 27-year-old would have wanted to make a good first impression in the opening race of the season, but the Daytona Speedway had not been a happy hunting ground for him in the Cup Series. Michael Jordan, however, had a way to spur his driver on.

Reddick spilled the beans on his initial impression of Jordan, praising the NBA star’s attention to detail in a conversation with a two-time Daytona 500 winner.

Michael Jordan creatively motivated Reddick into doing better for Daytona 500

Recounting the whale of a time he had with the NBA legend, Reddick shared a thing or two with Dale Earnheardt Jr. on an episode of The Dale Jr. Download. He said, “We got right down into it. Got to talk about just anything imaginable, right? Racing, non-racing-related stuff. I know he is involved and he pays attention, but it really surprised me how locked in and involved he really is and how much he pays attention.”

Further, Reddick revealed that Michael Jordan has his own way of motivating him before big races like Daytona. Sharing how the basketball legend uses “busting” as a method of firing him up, the 23XI Racing driver said, “Even before Daytona, he was busting me pretty good about ‘Hey, you know, your Speedway finishes haven’t been too good.’ I am not expecting a lot on Sunday. That got me fired up. Up until I got collected with Harvick, I had run the cleanest race of my life on a speedway like coming into Pit road like 8th or 9th, coming out 1st or 3rd. I was actually motivated. So, it’s been fun.”

READ MORE: “I Got to Drive for Him”: 23XI Racing Newcomer Tyler Reddick Reveals His Favorite Racing Driver in NASCAR

Beyond all the banter and fun exchanges, Reddick had the worst finish of his career in 2023 as far as Cup Series Daytona 500 races are concerned. Last year, as the young driver felt out of sorts, Jordan dutifully reached out to him to get a health update.

Tyler Reddick revealed a heart-touching quality of Michael Jordan

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While Junior was happy to know that Michael Jordan knows how to motivate his drivers, Reddick reminisced about his early exit at the Martinsville Speedway last year.

Reddick, who was driving for his former team Richard Childress Racing, pulled out of the race as he was not feeling well. Sharing how Jordan ensured to check in on him, Reddick said, “Like when I got a little banged up at Martinsville and just a number of other things were going on. Just always checking on me. Hey! Are you alright? How are things going? He checks in all the time too. And that’s been really cool to see.”

Last year, after being involved in a crash a week before in Homestead, Tyler Reddick felt like he was experiencing concussion-like symptoms at Martinsville. Although the infield care center pronounced Reddick to be absolutely fine, the driver thought that he made the right call by prioritizing his health over the race. And Jordan coming to check on him must have buoyed his spirits.

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