NASCAR News: Tyler Reddick signs contract extension with 23XI Racing

In a move that surprised no one following his blistering start to the season, Tyler Reddick (pictured) announced on April 26, 2026, that he has signed a multiyear contract extension to remain with 23XI Racing as the driver of the No. 45 Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Reddick made the announcement live on the FOX RaceDay pre-race show ahead of the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, ending any lingering speculation about his future as he entered the final year of his previous deal. “We got the deal done,” Reddick told FOX Sports.

“I’m going to be continuing my future here at 23XI; excited to have that all done and be able to continue building on what we’ve done.” He added, “This place has meant a lot to me since I got here. The success we’ve had… It’s been incredible. Just really proud of everybody at 23XI Racing. Looking forward to what’s ahead.”

The timing could not have been better for 23XI co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Reddick has been the story of the young 2026 season, winning five of the first nine (or ten, depending on the exact count) races and sitting atop the points standings as the clear early favorite for the championship.

He became the first driver in NASCAR Cup Series history to win the season-opening three races—Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA—then added victories at Darlington and Kansas. His dramatic late-race pass for the win at Kansas, where he even got the better of teammate Hamlin and rival Kyle Larson, prompted Jordan to quip, “This kid is on fire.”

Reddick joined 23XI Racing full-time in 2024 after leaving Richard Childress Racing and quickly proved his value. He delivered 10 wins and the 2024 regular-season championship, helping establish the relatively young organization as a legitimate powerhouse. Earlier industry chatter had pegged a potential new deal in the $7 million-per-year range, but Reddick’s scorching 2026 form almost certainly pushed that number higher. One report cited by FOX’s Chris Myers placed the new multiyear extension in the $8–9 million annual range.

For Reddick, staying put was never in serious doubt. He had repeatedly expressed his desire to remain with the team, telling reporters earlier in the spring, “I want to be here. I love racing here at 23XI.” The organization’s upward trajectory, strong Toyota alliance, and the chemistry he has built with crew chief Billy Scott and the entire 23XI operation made the decision straightforward. Unlike past silly-season dramas, there was little serious pursuit from other teams—Reddick confirmed he never reached the point where he could even field external offers.

Hamlin, who has long championed Reddick as a cornerstone piece, once said the driver was “very important for us to get our hands on very early.” That investment is now paying massive dividends. With Reddick locked in for the foreseeable future, 23XI can focus entirely on chasing that elusive first Cup Series title rather than worrying about driver stability.

The extension also sends a strong message across the garage. In an era when top talent often bounces between organizations in search of the next big payday or better equipment, Reddick’s decision to stay highlights the confidence he has in 23XI’s direction. The team has grown from an upstart operation into a consistent contender, and Reddick’s commitment ensures continuity at the sharp end of the field.

As the Cup Series heads deeper into the 2026 schedule, all eyes remain on the No. 45 car. Reddick’s hot streak has already rewritten early-season record books, and with his future secured, the only question left is how many more wins—and possibly that first championship—he can add to 23XI’s young legacy.

For fans of the sport, it’s the kind of feel-good story NASCAR loves: a talented driver, a rising team, and a partnership that’s clearly just getting started. Tyler Reddick isn’t going anywhere—and right now, that’s exactly where he wants to be.