Reddick Aims to Secure Playoff Spot at Richmond
Tyler Reddick faces a crucial opportunity to secure his position in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs during Saturday night’s race at Richmond Raceway. Currently, Reddick sits as the highest-ranked driver on the provisional playoff grid without a victory this season.
To clinch a playoff berth, Reddick needs to earn 30 points if a repeat winner emerges from the field. Alternatively, he would require 54 points if a new winner from below him in the standings secures the victory. A win this weekend would guarantee his entry into the postseason.
The driver of the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing has not tasted victory since his win at Homestead-Miami Speedway last October, marking his third win of the 2024 season and securing his place in the championship round.
“It definitely bothers all of us,” Reddick remarked about the ongoing winless stretch in 2025. “It’s important for it to be motivational, but you also have to be careful not to let that pressure overwhelm the team.”
In the championship standings, Reddick is positioned seventh, but his results have been inconsistent. He has recorded nine top-10 finishes this season— the lowest among the top 12 drivers—while maintaining a solid stage point total of 157, ranking fifth in the series.
Despite a season that has not gone to plan in terms of wins, Reddick understands the significance of securing playoff points. After winning the regular-season championship in 2024, he knows how crucial these points are for a smoother path through the postseason. Currently, he has only one playoff point heading into Richmond.
“This situation makes for an uphill battle when the playoffs begin,” Reddick noted. He’s aware that lacking playoff points limits his margin for error. “I acknowledge it’s not going to be as easy, but I haven’t sat and thought about what Darlington and the first round need to look like just yet,” he added.
As the penultimate race of the regular season looms, Reddick’s performance at Richmond could be pivotal in determining his playoff fate.
