The NASCAR Cup Series 2026 delivered another classic at Kansas Speedway, where Tyler Reddick claimed victory in the AdventHealth 400 after a dramatic overtime finish.
Driving the No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota Camry, Reddick overcame multiple setbacks to secure his fifth win of the season, second at Kansas and 13th career victory.
Late chaos denies Hamlin after dominant run
Denny Hamlin appeared on course for victory after leading 131 laps, but everything changed when Cody Ware’s spin triggered a late caution, sending the race into overtime.
With all 16 cars on the lead lap heading into the pits, strategies began to diverge, with the main contenders—including Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson—opting to take just two tyres.
On the restart, Kyle Larson took the lead, while Reddick dropped back after contact with Christopher Bell.
But the situation quickly changed again.
Moments later, Reddick found speed on the outside lane and launched a decisive charge.
Last-lap move seals dramatic win
Carrying strong momentum into the final lap, Tyler Reddick dived to the inside of Kyle Larson in the closing corners, executing a clean and decisive overtake.
The 23XI Racing driver crossed the finish line with just a 0.118-second advantage, in one of the closest finishes of the season.
Top 10:
- 1st: Tyler Reddick (#45 Toyota – 23XI Racing)
- 2nd: Kyle Larson (#5 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
- 3rd: Chase Briscoe (#19 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 4th: Denny Hamlin (#11 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 5th: Bubba Wallace (#23 Toyota – 23XI Racing)
- 6th: Brad Keselowski (#6 Ford – RFK Racing)
- 7th: William Byron (#24 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
- 8th: Chase Elliott (#9 Chevrolet – Hendrick Motorsports)
- 9th: Ty Gibbs (#54 Toyota – Joe Gibbs Racing)
- 10th: Chris Buescher (#17 Ford – RFK Racing)
Bell, who led 47 laps, dropped to 20th after late contact.
Historic form puts Reddick among legends
With this victory, Tyler Reddick becomes the first driver since Dale Earnhardt to win five of the opening nine races of the season—an achievement accomplished by only four drivers in NASCAR history.
The driver also strengthens his championship lead, extending his advantage to 105 points over Denny Hamlin, further confirming his status as the leading title contender at this stage.
Consistency and recovery once again proved decisive on a day when Tyler Reddick had to contend with:
- Contact with the wall
- Momentary fuel issues
- On-track incident
- Loss of position on the restart
Even so, he emerged victorious.
NASCAR now heads to Talladega Superspeedway, where Tyler Reddick’s current form clearly makes him the man to beat.
