**TLDR** — The verdict is in, and the fanbase isn't buying the hype. A commanding 44% of 422 voters said No, Chevy and Ford Will Be Back in Contention, shutting down the idea that Tyler Reddick can draw level with Dale Earnhardt Sr's iconic 1987 win record. Another 28% called it Almost Impossible in the Next Gen Era, while just 28% backed Reddick on the strength of his best season yet. Readers weren't shy either. One fan scoffed that Penske and HMS will have plenty to say on track, dismissing Toyota's surge as a blind squirrel finding nuts. Another insisted Reddick simply doesn't have what it takes, arguing he isn't Dale Sr and never will be. A third reader went further, calling any comparison to the Intimidator a disgrace to his name. Bottom line: 72% of fans see Reddick falling short, whether due to Bowtie revival or Next Gen parity.
Essentially Sports
Apr 26, 2026
Do You Really Think Tyler Reddick Can Draw Level With Dale Sr’s 1987 Win Record?
44%
No, Chevy and Ford Will Be Back in Contention
185
28%
Almost Impossible in the Next Gen Era
119
28%
Yes, He’s Having His Best Season Yet
118
422 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 9 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
9
lo*p*i*e@hotmail.com
Apr 26, 2026 · 7:13 AM EDT
The Toyota camry is not the car that wins on Sunday and we buy on Monday!! Because, Toyota does not make one!!!!!
mi****l***s****4@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 12:43 PM EDT
This is NASCAR, anything can happen and quite often does. Look @ last weeks O’Reilly race, prey tell. Thank you for the info on Trackhouse. I really want to see them do well @ Talledega, especially Conner. Enough already with Willy B & his heart, this is NASCAR, MOVE ON! ME
cl**i*g*6@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 7:04 PM EDT
I think Tyler wouldn't be where he is at today, if he was put in a Ford or Chevy and had to race has hard as these drivers are. Chevy's & Fords are not equal to the 2026 Toyota's.
ed***a***s***0@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 11:56 AM EDT
Chevy and Ford have been known to come out of nowhere and be there when it really matters. Tyler is good but he is not Dale Sr and doesn’t have what it takes.
ba*n*.*b@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 1:08 PM EDT
Cannot compare reddick to Earnhardt no one can or should not be compared to Earnhardt not even carson hocevar, its a disgrace to his name!!!!
ca***a**1***7@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 12:10 PM EDT
A blind squirrel finds a few nuts ,every now & then! So Penske &HMS will have a lot to say about that(on track)!
bu***e**i**y@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 12:31 PM EDT
$$$$$$$$$
ru*s@rdtravellimited.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 12:08 PM EDT
I'm waiting for Chevy's return.
ra**o*o*0@gmail.com
Apr 25, 2026 · 8:54 PM EDT
not ever , what so ever ,no comparing the #3 with a dweeb