Published 01/08/2023, 9:45 AM EST
Kyle Busch leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to join Richard Childress Racing was one of the biggest NASCAR stories of 2022. And that big move resulted in Tyler Reddick being sacked from his position in the #8 car and shipped off to the 23XI Racing garage.
But as it turns out, Reddick’s latest addition to the Toyota family is a part of something even greater.
2022 wasn’t the best year for Toyota, because the introduction of Next-Gen cars didn’t suit the Camry. Although we saw some outstanding performances from Christopher Bell and even Tyler Reddick. In the greater picture, Toyota had its struggles. So of course, TRD plans on coming back stronger, Michael Jordan’s latest recruit might be that ace in their hand.
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The NASCAR Hub talked about the big driver move between teams, and how it could impact the owners and manufacturers. Clint Bowyer highlighted a particular benefit Toyota might have with Reddick in their lineup for 2023.
“I heard you talk about a collaboration with Chevrolet and how they were able to advance their program to win more races. That has to come from some other pot, right?” said Bowyer. “And in my opinion, it came from the Toyota camp. So if the Toyota camp wants to get back they need the 23XI Camp with the addition of Tyler Reddick to really step up to the plate.”
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Tyler Reddick has one problem with Kyle Busch’s move to RCR
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While Reddick was pretty chilled out about Busch taking his place on the #8 team, he did have one issue. He was featured in an episode of Door, Bumper, Clear! Where he talked about the shift, and how he was happy for his team as he said, “They were my guys for 3–4 years. They’re going to have a great opportunity for themselves to not only further their own story but Kyle’s as well.”
CHARLOTTE, NC – SEPTEMBER 01: Tyler Reddick (8) of Richard Childress Racing speaks to the media during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day on September 1, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
However, he then talked about the one thing he wasn’t happy about as he added, “When you look at it, I guess the only thing that is kind of funny—saw that they changed the font of the #8. I never really asked for it, I didn’t think it was on the table when I was there. Richard wanted it, I think Richard said he kind of wanted it to look like a football jersey… soccer.”
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So, do you think Bubba Wallace’s new teammate will help propel Toyota back into the big leagues? Or he will just take his sweet time getting accustomed to the new car and team? Could Reddick really be the ace in their deck or just a mediocre stint at 23XI? Let us know in the comments.