The roar of engines filled the air at Richmond Raceway on Saturday as the 2023 NASCAR Cup drivers battled it out in a heart-pounding qualifying race. A stunning turn of events during the Cookout 400 witnessed the rise of a formidable contender for Kyle Busch. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin‘s NASCAR team are facing a new threat from an unexpected source.

A 27-year-old Californian unleashed his prowess on the short track, securing his first pole position of the season in the #45 Toyota. The emergence of this dark horse has got Kyle Busch stressed.

“He was fast”, Busch on Michael Jordan and Hamlin’s No. 45 Toyota Camry driver

During the pre-race interview, Kyle Busch was asked about returning to Michigan International Speedway after winning at Auto Club Speedway in the spring. The interviewer asked about his feelings regarding the upcoming race and his chances of winning. To this, Busch pointed out that although both tracks are 2 miles apart, they are entirely different. Despite this, he is looking forward to the upcoming race. He mentioned that his team has shown good speed at fast race tracks throughout the year, including 1.5- to 2-mile speedways and even 2.5-mile tracks.

“I would like to think that we’ve got a good shot going to Michigan. I remember, I think, running second and third with the No. 8 car there last year with (Tyler) Reddick – he was fast, we were fast. We both had good cars and unfortunately I got caught up in a wreck early on and didn’t get to finish. But it seems like they’ve got a good baseline package for that place, so I’d like to think we’d be fine.” Busch further stated.

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During the qualifying session, Tyler Reddick’s #45 Toyota Camry was enough to hold off the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Reddick blazed around the 0.75-mile D-shaped short track, setting a blistering lap time of 23.749 seconds and reaching a mind-boggling speed of 113.689 mph. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Kyle Busch Makes Bold Comments About His Chances at the Regular Season Championship

After the qualifying match, the enthusiastic Tyler Reddick spoke to the press.

400-lap battle: Sunday’s Cook Out 400 Richmond Raceway promises an adrenaline-fueled spectacle 

As the crowd anticipates a gripping showdown in the Cook Out 400, 23XI Racing‘s #45 driver’s confidence is bolstered by Toyota’s recent dominance. With momentum on his side, the Michael Jordan and Hamlin’s team driver eyes Sunday’s race with unwavering optimism, aiming to capitalize on his team’s improved execution and clinch another victory.

“I’m really excited to be on the pole for the first time this year with 23XI,” Reddick exclaimed. “We’ve been really strong when we’ve had the opportunities to qualify this year, and it is nice to get that first pole as a team.”

As the engines roar to life and the 400-lap battle is a day away, all eyes will be on the two protagonists: Tyler Reddick, hungry to cement his place among the elite, and Kyle Busch, determined to fend off the competition and solidify his reign. 

Kyle Busch Reveals the “Biggest Thing” Joe Gibbs Taught a Young Know-It-All

The Cook Out 400 promises to be a race for the ages, where speed, skill, and strategy will collide in a high-octane spectacle. Who do you think will emerge victorious in this adrenaline-fueled showdown?