Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing had a great run throughout the Cup race at Darlington Speedway. Thanks to the pole-sitter No. 45 driver Tyler Reddick. Despite losing out on the first stage to Kyle Larson, Reddick had a fantastic hold on the race. He led an astonishing 174 laps! It seemed like his Top 3 position was confirmed today, if not a win. Through effective pit stops, to stealing the top position from race winner Brad Keselowski, it was a perfect day for Tyler Reddick to shine. However, a final moment collision with RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher spoiled the party. Reddick ended at a disappointing P32. Meanwhile, Joe Gibbs’ grandson and JGR young sensation Ty Gibbs got lucky to grab the second position.

How did the 21-year-old Ty Gibbs react after clinching his career best finish? Most importantly, what is his opinion on the collision that unfolded before him, that essentially brought him the P2?

Ty Gibbs opens up on the challenges at ‘not so easy’ Darlington

Ty Gibbs was full of joy when he was called for the interview with reporter Peter Stratta. Despite not being able to clinch a victory, he acknowledged that it was fun to race at the track. A little push could have turned the tables for him and his team, he believes. “We had a good run and thanking all my guys. It was a fun race. We just need a little bit, a little bit more,” the 21-year-driver said.

Furthermore, the JGR youngster was asked about the collision between Reddick and Buescher when he was at P4. He described how fighting for every inch and running too close to each other resulted in the disappointing consequence, focusing on how difficult it is to overtake on this track.

Gibbs said, “Yeah, I saw it. It’s just hard to pass here, and everybody’s just trying to get every inch. So, I feel like they’re kind of in a box to race too.”

The reporter jokingly asked if he wished that all his contenders took each other out, paving the way for his first victory. “Yeah, that’d be awesome,” he answered laughing. Also speaking about his battle for the top with Keselowski in the last couple of laps, Gibbs stated that he almost caught the RFK #6. Notably, Ty Gibbs ran with a better speed in the closing laps. But it is to be remembered that a major collision occurred just a few moments earlier before him, while Keselowski had a clean air advantage. Hence, it became practically impossible to pass him.

A disappointing end to 23XI Racing’s valiant run

Tyler Reddick together with his teammate Bubba Wallace, created a new record. Reddick’s 174 and Wallace’s 6 laps combined to form 180 laps for 23XI, highest for any team in the Cup Series history. But besides being a moment to celebrate, this race will also serve as a nightmare for the 23XI fans. The event unfolded in the final 10 laps when Tyler Reddick and Chris Buescher were contending fiercely for the lead. Reddick made a bold slide job attempt on Buescher in Turn 3. The attempt failed, causing a collision that propelled Buescher’s No. 17 car into the wall.

The incident forced both drivers to pit unexpectedly for tire changes and repairs, costing them two laps each. Consequently, Buescher got placed in a disappointing P3o. Brad Keselowski, Buescher’s boss at RFK Racing, seized the opportunity to take the lead and clinch the victory. However, No. 17’s Buescher could not control himself after the race and confronted Reddick to vent his frustration over the clash. Buescher was mainly angry because he needed the win to get a playoff ticket. Back to back heartbreaks for the 31-year-old driver with the first being losing out on 0.001 seconds at Kansas, his irritation seemed somewhat justified.

Tyler Reddick too would want to forget this race as fast as he can. Let’s see how prepared they come in the next race at Charlotte.