EchoPark Speedway (Hampton, Ga.) — Tyler Reddick spent the entire 2025 season pondering when he would clinch a victory, and during the offseason, he reflected on why he hadn’t won any races.
Now, the question arises: when will he face defeat?
While that might seem far-fetched in a sport where only one driver can win each week, Reddick transitioned from a winless 2025 season to two consecutive victories, taking the Daytona 500 last week and then winning the Atlanta Cup race to kick off the 2026 season. Remarkably, he secured the win even after losing a fender during an accident that seemed to jeopardize his chances.
“That’s crazy, ain’t it?” Reddick remarked during his post-race television interview.
1. Michael Jordan Celebrates
Team owner Michael Jordan, known for his competitive spirit, joined in the celebration with Reddick, marking him as the first driver since 2009 to start a season with back-to-back wins. It appeared that Bubba Wallace, Reddick’s teammate, was in a strong position to win at Atlanta, leading into overtime, but a blocking maneuver left him vulnerable, allowing Reddick to take advantage.
2. Bubba’s Frustration
Wallace expressed disappointment about his eighth-place finish. “Unfortunate, but man, what a race car we had today,” he said, emphasizing the unpredictability of superspeedway racing where swift decisions can lead to unexpected outcomes.
3. Hocevar’s Bold Move
Carson Hocevar reflected on a questionable maneuver that involved contact with other drivers, arguing that his intention was to seize an opportunity for the win. Though criticized for his aggressive driving style, he felt that timing was crucial in this instance as the stakes increased.
4. Larson’s Honest Assessment
Kyle Larson candidly acknowledged that his wreck was due to his own oversight. “Typically I get caught up in others’ mistakes, but that was completely my fault,” he noted, recognizing the need to improve as he finds himself in a challenging points position early in the season.
5. Looking Ahead
Up next, the Cup Series heads to Circuit of the Americas for its first road course event of the season. Reddick, who previously won here in 2023, will aim for a historic third consecutive win at the start of the season, a feat never accomplished in the Cup Series.
