Tyler Reddick COTA: 13th Career Shocking NASCAR History Bid at DuraMax Grand Prix
Tyler Reddick lines up on pole position for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series DuraMax Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas on Sunday, March 1, chasing one of the most remarkable achievements in the sport’s modern history. A third consecutive Reddick victory to open the 2026 season would make him the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of a season. Tyler Reddick and the 23XI Racing team arrive at COTA in the form of their lives.
Reddick Claims 13th Career Pole at COTA
Tyler Reddick secured the DuraMax Grand Prix pole on Saturday with a lap of 88.380 mph, his 13th career pole position across 221 NASCAR Cup Series races. The time was his third pole from six attempts at Circuit of the Americas, a road course that clearly suits his smooth driving style. Tyler Reddick’s consistency at COTA has been remarkable throughout his career, having won here in both 2023 and 2025. Ross Chastain shares the front row after qualifying second at 88.256 mph, with Chase Briscoe, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott completing the top five.
Two Wins Already Banked to Open 2026
Tyler Reddick’s 2026 campaign started in spectacular fashion with victory in the Daytona 500 opener before backing it up with another commanding win at Atlanta Motor Speedway the following week. Both Tyler Reddick victories showcased the same qualities, aggressive late-race strategy, clinical tyre management, and an ability to convert front-running positions into wins. The Tyler Reddick and 23XI Racing combination has become one of NASCAR’s most discussed partnerships since Michael Jordan co-founded the team.
Can Anyone Stop Reddick at COTA?
Tyler Reddick enters the DuraMax Grand Prix as the clear favourite, but road course racing is notoriously unpredictable. Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion who has won at COTA twice, posted the fourth-fastest time in practice and will be one of several challengers aiming to deny Tyler Reddick his place in the history books. Connor Zilisch, the most talked-about rookie in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, qualified 25th but was the fastest rookie in the session and could be a factor late in the race.
The 95-lap DuraMax Grand Prix begins at 3:30 PM ET on FOX, with millions of NASCAR fans tuning in to witness whether Tyler Reddick can make history and become the first driver ever to win the opening three races of a NASCAR Cup Series season.
Written by 8jjsports.com | March 01, 2026
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