Hamlin Names Reddick His Can’t‑Beat Rival Ahead of the Chase
Denny Hamlin confirmed during a joint interview that Tyler Reddick stands as his hardest competitor as the series enters the NASCAR Cup Series Chase.
The two drivers, who are not teammates on paper—Hamlin drives for Joe Gibbs Racing while Reddick is employed by 23XI Racing under Hamlin’s umbrella—have exchanged support during the season, but the stakes are escalating.
In a candid moment before the Coke Zero Sugar 400, Hamlin compared Reddick’s intermediate‑track speed to his own and stated that Reddick’s “strengths are really his strengths.” He added that while teammates have had hot streaks recently, “you go with the schedule” and each track can shift the competition.
At the start of the Chase, Hamlin is the points leader, but Reddick’s standing fell from first to fourth. The reset will narrow Hamlin’s gap, potentially refocusing the rivalry for the title.
Both teams have mixed performance over the season, yet Reddick’s No. 45 car has displayed better form on the Chase events, especially at Daytona where his speed over intermediates could revive his title contention.
With the Chase schedule favoring Reddick’s strengths, the dynamic between the two could intensify, setting a high‑stakes focus that will dictate the rest of the season.
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