Tyler Reddick has danced on the edge of playoff security all season, but Daytona’s chaos could finally push him off the cliff. Despite strong runs and top-10 consistency, one wrong move or one surprise winner could erase everything. With Alex Bowman breathing down his neck and 20 desperate drivers chasing glory, Reddick’s fate hangs by a thread. Even insiders are beginning to question his resilience, Daytona might be the ultimate test.

Reddick and Alex Bowman are battling for the final playoff spot heading into the crucial Daytona race. Even though Reddick started strong at Richmond, winning Stage 1, but his race fell apart after Ty Gibbs was bumped by Daniel Suarez and spun into Reddick, sending him into the wall and leaving him 34th at the finish. 

Team owner Denny Hamlin has stressed how crucial Daytona is for Reddick’s playoff hopes, but with Alex Bowman closing in, insiders aren’t convinced he’ll hang on to the final spot.

Tyler Reddick’s playoff security sparks warning ahead of Daytona

Insiders are doubting Tyler Reddick’s ability to survive the last test at Daytona as the NASCAR Cup Series playoff picture has reached a turning point. Even though Reddick is in the top 10 overall, he has yet to win this season, and with the unpredictable superspeedway finale approaching, his margin is far from secure.

On PRN’s broadcast, one analyst stated flatly, “We will only have one driver make the playoffs on points this season.” That bleak prediction emphasizes the mounting concern that Reddick’s cushion would be completely erased by a new Daytona victor. If a driver below the cutline wins, Reddick’s only chance is to beat Alex Bowman, who is currently close enough in the standings to make the race extremely close.  

The skepticism around Reddick is tied to expectation versus reality. “Tyler Reddick all this year on so many pre-race shows has been the s-xy pick to win, and it’s his time to show off, and they’ve not delivered. And I don’t think they’ll deliver at Daytona either,” another insider argued.

In the past, Reddick has performed exceptionally well on intermediates and road courses, displaying bursts of genius. The idea that he was ready for a breakthrough was strengthened by the fact that he led laps, fought for stage victories, and regularly qualified first. But despite his steady speed, he hasn’t won due to shortcomings, poor strategy, and terrible luck.

The other 20 drivers who need a win at Daytona to make the playoffs are Chris Buescher (-60), Ryan Preece (-94), Kyle Busch (-148), Ty Gibbs (-173), AJ Allmendinger (-181), Brad Keselowski (-189), Carson Hocevar (-197), Michael McDowell (-207), Erik Jones (-213), John Hunter Nemechek (-226), Zane Smith (-244), Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (-251), Daniel Suarez (-252), Justin Haley (-296), Todd Gilliland (-297), Ty Dillon (-313), Noah Gragson (-376), Cole Custer (-378), Riley Herbst (-392) and Cody Ware (-517).

According to insiders, neither Reddick nor Bowman will be assured of a spot if a new winner is announced at Daytona. Both Reddick and Bowman would finish on points if there is no upset, as Fox Sports pointed out, but there is little chance of a repeat champion in a race this unpredictable.

Another insider stated, “That would spark so much about the playoffs, considering here’s a guy who’s, well, into the top ten in the standings, and if he misses it because someone else won.” 

Drivers who have secured wins locked into the playoffs are Denny Hamlin and Shane van Gisbergen with four wins, Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell with three, and William Byron with two. Other drivers who have one win under their belt are Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Josh Berry, and Austin Dillon. That uncertainty is only heightened by Daytona. Drafting packs, large wrecks, and the potential for an outsider to grab a victory are characteristics of superspeedway racing.

Drivers like Carson Hocevar have displayed aggressive driving styles throughout the season, and crucial moments like these could make it difficult to predict what could happen. Also, with Ross Chastain part of the pack, known for his legendary banned move during which he said, “I’m just gonna put my foot on the floor and I’m not lifting until I see God or the Checkered Flag.” Says a lot about what is at stake for the drivers as the competition intensifies after a season-long battle. 

Corey LaJoie puts Reddick’s playoff fate on missed wins, not bad luck

Corey LaJoie thinks Tyler Reddick’s playoff pressure is due to poor execution more than bad luck as the NASCAR Cup Series moves to Daytona for the regular-season finale. LaJoie presented the problem in a direct manner during an appearance on Inside the Race with Todd Gordon and Steve Letarte. “It’s not like Austin Dillon has tried less hard for the last 23 races to win in the championship. Those guys go to work every week, and it’s just freaking hard to win a Cup race.”

That viewpoint emphasizes a fundamental reality of the playoff system: victories are what count most. Despite being in the top 10 in points this season, Reddick has yet to win, which puts his chances of making the playoffs in jeopardy.

“And if NASCAR sets the game board and says this is what you have to do to make the playoffs, then Tyler Reddick has had the same opportunity to do that,” he added. Shane van Gisbergen and Josh Berry’s previous wins and Austin Dillon’s victory in Richmond serve as reminders that people in difficult situations managed to cash out. LaJoie contended that Reddick and Bowman had just not done the same.

As a result, both drivers experience severe pressure at Daytona. Reddick and Bowman would both be eliminated from the playoffs with a single upset victory from below the cutline, even with Reddick’s steady point total. He might even miss the field if Bowman outscores him by 29 points, as NBC Sports pointed out.

Reddick now has to win the season’s most dangerous race or risk finishing in the top 10 without earning a postseason berth.