NASCAR star Tyler Reddick has reacted to tasting defeat for the first time in the 2026 Cup Series season.
The 23XI Racing driver took a history three-peat to kick off the year, becoming the first man in the 77-year history of the Cup to start a season with three successive wins.
That run came to an end at Phoenix on Sunday with Ryan Blaney's win, although Reddick's eighth place finish meant that he actually extended his lead at the top of the points standings.
The driver of the No. 45 didn't seem too downhearted about missing out on a rare four-peat, especially given the impressive pace his car showed in staying up near the front and in the fight all afternoon.
NASCAR RESULTS TODAY: Blaney survives Phoenix chaos to save the day for Penske
Reddick: We need days like this
Speaking to the difference in NASCAR since the Chase returned in January, Reddick chose to focus on what was still a strong points day rather than gripe too much about failing to be the man first over the line.
"We just kind of fought handling a little bit," he said. "Seemed like our Jordan Brand Toyota Camry had good speed. Kind of back and forth on which direction we needed to go with our Camry.
"We kind of just hovered around fifth all day. We took those two tires there. I got a little tight on us at the end.
"All in all, it would have been nice to make it four. Looking at the board over here, scored the fourth most amount of points on the day. That’s kind of what we need to keep doing all year to keep the lead that we have and try and hang on to it.
"Solid day. If we’re not going to win, these are the kind of days we need to have. Glad to get out of here with some points."
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