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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: Tyler Reddick (8) of Richard Childress Racing speaks to the media during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day on September 1, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: Tyler Reddick (8) of Richard Childress Racing speaks to the media during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day on September 1, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
With the 2023 NASCAR Cup season rapidly approaching, the drivers and teams are hard at work. Last weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, Tyler Reddick was one of three drivers to compete in a tire test. The other two participants were Kyle Busch and Austin Cindric for Richard Childress Racing and Team Penske respectively. For Reddick and Busch, this is the first time driving for their new teams.
In a conversation with NBC Sports after the session, Reddick spoke about the team’s goals. According to him, Toyota wants to close the gap with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. This gap was especially evident on the road courses, and other teams were able to surge ahead as well. Another objective could also be for the #45 driver to get used to the 23XI Racing car. Reddick said, “I think we made some gains, but certainly, we’re going to work hard on that.”
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What to expect from Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing?
After a relatively decent season, the organization will want to hit the ground running. Additionally, Reddick will want to get a feel for his new car, after having driven for Richard Childress Racing. Coincidentally, Reddick has switched from Chevrolet to Toyota, while Kyle Busch has swapped his Toyota ride for a Chevrolet. Furthermore, Busch is driving the same car that Reddick drove last year.
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KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 10: Tyler Reddick (#8 Richard Childress Racing Guaranteed Rate Chevrolet) gets out of his race car after qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 on September 10th, 2022 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
This test is really important because Toyota was severely lacking in road courses compared to its rivals. Now, as the season draws ever closer, another test is going to be scheduled soon. This time, it will be at the Phoenix Raceway, and it will be one of the last few tests before the season kicks off. One thing is for sure, the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship campaign will be highly exciting with so many strong contenders.
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