Denny Hamlin claims Tyler Reddick is as special as Kyle Larson

Denny Hamlin is the most experienced TRD driver on the grid and has the task of leading the manufacturer squad of youngsters alongside Truex Jr.

Denny Hamlin claims Tyler Reddick is as special as Kyle Larson

Tyler reddick, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson

The 2023 Cup season marks a new chapter for Tyler Reddick as he makes his 23Xi Racing debut. The two times Xfinity series champion moved to the TRD garage mid-way to last season and was contracted to join 23XI in 2024.  His move was preponed following Kurt Busch’s concussion, while Kyle Busch replaced him at RCR.

Reddick proved his worth to the Cup garage in 2023, scoring 3 wins and 7 top 5s.  Reddick produced near race-winning performance in most of the races last season while driving the No:8, which wasn’t always the fastest or the most reliable. Going into the 2023 season, Reddick is expected to proceed with his career best. 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin rates him big and claims that the No:45 driver can produce equal or better performance than Kyle Larson.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0afUzQXc7vk&t=154s

“I’m on the racetrack enough to see Tyler, and I’m like, wow, he has some special stuff. If he just manages it a little bit better, I think he could win it as much or more than Kyle Larson in any given year. When Kyle Larson is like, that’s the guy you know you need to go get, you probably should go get him,” Denny Hamlin told NASCAR Race Hub.

FS Video

Kyle Larson, who drives the No:5 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports, is considered to be a modern-day legend. He dominated the 2021 season scoring 10 wins on his way to winning the championship. Larson scored 3 wins, like Reddick in 2022, and failed to defend his title. He was unfortunate throughout the season but was, still one of the most consistent drivers on the grid.

Reddick is yet to earn him a spot alongside Larson, and he has a long way to go to earn that place. Hamlin is right, as Reddick has the potential to be great, and now he is responsible for being the face of TRD, replacing Kyle Busch. Veterans Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr, are angering the end of their careers, and Ty Gibbs is too young to be the face of the man Laertes. It’s up to Reddick or Christopher Bell. The 23XI driver does have a higher scaling than Bell interims of pure potential.

In case you missed it: “We’re running the fine line between entertainment and racing at The Clash now,” Denny Hamlin on why the LA Clash should not be a point-paying race

Denny Hamlin has already set targets for Tyler Reddick and his teammate Bubba Wallace  

Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin
Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin (Credits: IMAGO)

Denny Hamlin has already set the targets for Wallace and Reddick. He wants them to secure at least a Round of 12 entries in 2023.  He understands it’s a big task since Wallace has never made it to the playoffs, and Reddick is driving new machinery. But that doesn’t stop him, as he knows his driver’s true potential.

“I mean, certainly, we expect him to make the playoffs. You know, Bubba did such a great job. He finished top 10 in points for us racing in the playoffs. Not many people know that 45 car with Bubba driving it finished 10th in points last year in that playoff run, so he did a great job,” Denny Hamlin said.

“I believe that you know finishing in the top 10 once again in points will still be a jump for Tyler. I think that he at times struggles with race management, and that’s what I hope I can help him with is managing the race because he’s got the speed,” Hamlin added.

Discover: